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Faithful and loyal to a fault, Boxers are halfway between a butler and a bouncer for your family. Despite their tough-guy face, Boxers tend to be gentle and patient, particularly with children.
Energetic and playful, young Boxers in particular need regular exercise.
Loyal but sometimes stubborn, mischievous but vigilant when being a watchdog.
Reasonably intelligent, Boxers can be trained with patience.
Generally fine with other animals and particularly with children, but can be defensive around other dogs of the same size and sex.
Samuel L Jackson
Meesha, Harvey, Rocky
Well capable of creating a punchy odour.
Boxers have a tendency towards cancer and heart issues in their middle age, with nearly half of them developing some sort of cancer in their lives. Early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment.
Being short-faced dogs, Boxers have a harder time cooling down than other breeds, so be careful that they don't overheat. This also makes them likely to snore, grunt, or make other unusual noises.
Loyal, affectionate, kind and gets along well with others: all of the qualities you might look for in a significant other, but with an unparalleled sense of smell and much easier to groom.
Popularised by Queen Victoria, Pomeranians are a breed with a high opinion of themselves, and want the world to know. Proof that big dogs can come in small packages.
In the Toy Group, these companion dogs are lively, cuddly, and love their owners. These small dogs have a lot of energy to expend.
Yorkies are one of the most popular breeds in the UK, and with good reason; they’re loyal little companions who’ll always look out for their owner’s best interests. Feisty and independent, they’ll always let you know when it’s time for a walk, play or food.
Westies are one of the most distinctive terrier breeds, with their little black eyes and nose peering out from under bushy eyebrows from a loveable face. Possessive of their owners and highly social, they tend to be friendly and playful.
Shih Tzu are an ancient breed from China. Calmer than many other toy breeds but just as loyal and affectionate, Shih Tzu are great indoor dogs, who generally prefer curling up on your lap to long walks.
These little policemen have the sideburns of a Victorian adventurer and the manners to match. Nobody seems to have told them they’re small dogs, or if they have, the Schnauzers aren't listening.
These little sentinels might look like a bundle of cuddles but they were originally bred to be watchdogs in the temples of Tibet. Smart and dominant, the Lhasa Apso is a challenge to train, but will prove her loyalty at every opportunity when housebroken.
Best known as a racing dog, Greyhounds are also capable of sleeping almost all day. They’re no divas though, and are among the most affectionate and unaggressive dogs going.
Known as much for their kind-heartedness as their magnificent physique and intelligence, Golden Retrievers are great family pets, and have amazing eyebrows.
Delicate, ferocious, cute, yappy, cuddly, demanding, loyal, entertaining: Chihuahuas can be all these things at once. Chihuahuas are an ancient breed from Mexico, and each one has their own quirks and personality.
Rugged and athletic, Border Terriers are surprisingly nimble, as suits their heritage as a hunting and ratting dog. Good for walks in the country, romantic sunset strolls, and long, meaningful looks into each other's eyes.
A teddy bear that barks, Bichon Frise are one of the original breeds of toy dog, having been popular with royalty and sailors in centuries gone by. Cheerful and affectionate, they love to learn tricks.
The Staffie is a seriously fun and courageous personality. The “tough guy” look masks a friendly and energetic little person who wants to be around humans and is a bit of a family guy.
One of the most popular dog breeds, their boundless energy and good nature make Labs ideal companions. No coincidence, then, that they are the number one guide dog breed in the UK.
This doe-eyed delight is a true companion dog, ever-so-social and eager to please. A real family dog, they usually prefer the house but sometimes the spaniel in them comes out to play to give chase.
Perhaps unfairly tarnished with the image of the ferocious guard dog, Rottweilers (whose origins were in Germany herding livestock and later as police dogs) are grand physical specimens who are as loyal and courageous as they come.
Cocker Spaniels are one of the friendliest breeds out there - incredibly affectionate and very willing to please. We should all be a bit more Cocker and the world would be a better place.
