In today's world there is a huge variety of dog breeds. Against the general background, English varieties stand out, which are very popular among experienced dog breeders and novice breeders.
Despite the fact that the birthplace of English dogs (as the name implies) is Great Britain, these breeds have spread far beyond the borders of the country.
Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that English dog breeds, like any other groups, have a number of special characteristics that must be considered if you plan to have such a pet at home.
Features
Generally speaking, with regard to England, from ancient times it has become the custom that dogs are the favorite animals of the inhabitants of this country. Many scientists believe that for the first time breeding and selection of four-legged pets began to occur in this country.
In general, the whole variety of breeds of English dogs can be divided into 3 large groups:
- shepherds;
- hunting;
- decorative.
Also belong to the English breeds service dogs and guard dogshowever, these categories are not widespread.
English dogs are quite diverse both in their appearance and in temperament, behavior, physiological characteristics. That is why if you decide to have a British pet, then you should carefully study all the varieties of dogs that currently exist and choose the one that suits you and is right for you.
Main groups
English dogs are a heterogeneous category. On the contrary, animals that belong to the English breeds are divided into several large categories. Consider the most popular of them in more detail.
Molossians
The English Molosses category includes several dog breeds. Let's get acquainted with the distinctive characteristics of the most popular and widespread varieties.
Mastiff
Mastiff is a popular breed of dog that belongs to the English group. According to scientific evidence, a mastiff is it is the largest of the existing dog breeds. So, the weight of some representatives of the breed can reach a mark of 150 kilograms. Animals of this breed are considered fighting.
If we turn to historical documents, we can establish the fact that this breed has a rather long history of its origin and development.
It is scientifically proven that the progenitors of the English mastiff breed existed even in the days of Ancient Babylon.
About the features of the breed, see below.
Bulldog
Distinctive features of this breed: short hair, snub nose, protruding lower jaw. Bulldogs often play the role of a guard or watchman. Breeding time - XIX century. Generally speaking, this dog is a peculiar symbol of England. The animal is different from other species independent character.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiff is a traditional representative of watchdog molosses. This breed is one of the youngest.
Shepherd dogs
The original purpose of the English Shepherd Dog is performance of guard and security functions.
Bobtail
Individuals belonging to this breed have long and fluffy hair. From a physiological point of view, they are incredibly powerful. Typical Bobtail character traits include devotion, good nature, activity, a developed mind and independence.
Border Collie
One of the most striking characteristics of this breed is its high intellectual abilities. Dogs lend themselves well to training and training, learning not only the simplest basic commands, but also complex complex tricks. Border Collie is a breed that has been worked on for quite a long time.. That is why the animal has such extraordinary abilities.
If we talk about the working functions of the breed, it is important to note that they are unsuitable for hunting. At the same time, border collies do an excellent job of caring for livestock during grazing.
Among the negative traits of the nature of the breed, one can distinguish a tendency to independence and disobedience. In this regard, education, training and training are mandatory procedures.
Long-haired collie
Long-haired collie (the second name of the breed is a Scottish shepherd) is a dog that is capable of performing the functions of a shepherd. Animals exhibit extraordinary intellectual abilities, and therefore are easy to learn.
It is important to note that in the process of caring for the dog, special attention is recommended to be paid to the coat.
Since it is very thick and long, it should be combed out in a timely manner and prevent the formation of scraps.
Sheltie
In its characteristics, the Sheltie breed is similar to long-haired collies. However, it copes with the functions of a hunter a little worse, therefore, it plays the role of an ordinary pet four-legged pet.
Welsh Corgi
Welsh Corgi are very small dogs in size. They have a shortened body shape and large straight ears. At first glance, this breed of English dogs in appearance may resemble a fox. The breed is considered quite ancient, because it was bred in the distant XII century. The body of the Welsh Corgi is covered with long wool with undercoat. Some representatives of the variety may have a wavy hairline. One way or another, representatives of the breed in the back area have a characteristic mark, which in its appearance and shape resembles a saddle.
In the modern world, Welsh Corgi representatives live on English farms, where they act as shepherds and cattle guards.
Representatives of this breed are very smart, but at the same time quite independent.That is why the owner of the animal in the process of training will have to show all his patience and endurance
Terriers
The English Terrier category includes several dog breeds that are popular not only in the UK, but also in our country.
Bull terrier
Representatives of this breed have impressive muscles. Initially, scientists deduced this variety of dogs with a very definite and specific purpose - to destroy rats and other harmful rodents. It is in connection with the need to perform these functions, animals were endowed with a large number of relevant characteristics. For example, bull terriers have very strong and tenacious jaws. Nonetheless a person should not be afraid of such dogs, because with the right approach to training and education, animals grow up kind and non-aggressive.
Generally speaking, the nature of the animal is rather difficult to predict, because for the most part the behavior of the bull terrier depends on the hereditary factor. That is why when buying a puppy, special attention should be paid to the parent couple.
An animal can live both in an apartment and in a private house. However, it is worth remembering that bull terriers need intensive and regular physical activity and competent training.
West Highland White Terrier
This dog belongs to the decorative breed, because it has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, in spite of the loveliness of the pet, it is worth remembering that it needs active physical activity. The dog has a highly developed intellect and active character.
At the same time, do not forget about the negative aspects related to this breed.
So, the West Highland White Terrier does not get along well with other animals and may conflict with them. In addition, the dog is quite independent and does not make good contact with young children.
Toy Terrier
A toy terrier is a very small animal in size, which has a difficult character. As for the numerical indicators, it is important to note that the mass of a toy terrier usually does not exceed 3 kilograms, and its height at the withers is about 28 centimeters. Like the previous breed, toy terrier is a decorative animal. The most popular color is black. Usually the dog has a smooth and short coat, however, there are also long-haired specimens.
If you keep a dog of this breed in your house, then you need to keep in mind that toy terriers never forget an insult, they are quite wayward and can feel love and affection for only one owner.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier - This is an English dog breed that was bred in the middle of the 19th century.. The weight of the animal is about 8 kilograms, and the height does not exceed 40 centimeters. This breed is a typical representative of hunting animals. The character of the dog is active and energetic. In addition, owners of jack Russell terriers note that the animal shows extraordinary devotion and loyalty to the owner.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier - this is a breed that was bred by breeders at the end of the 19th century. Thus, she is relatively young and new. Yorkies are miniature animals, the mass of which usually does not exceed 3 kilograms, and growth at the withers is about 23 centimeters. Representatives of this species of English animals are highly intellectual. In addition, the animal is quite energetic and active in nature.
It is important to note the fact that Yorkshire Terrier is a friendly four-legged pet that makes contact with people fairly easily, even with children. Therefore, if a baby lives in your house, then you can not be afraid by buying a miniature York. The animal can live both in urban conditions and in its own house with a plot.
Hounds
Among the English hounds, 2 main breeds are most often distinguished.
Beagle
The history of the origin and development of this breed is rooted in the XIV century. A beagle is a breed that does not need specific or complex care. In this regard, the dog is quite unpretentious and picky. In relation to surrounding people, representatives of the breed show good nature and friendliness. Beagles also get along easily with other animals.
Basset hound
Representatives of this breed do not have predefined functions. Often they play the role of ordinary pets. The nature of basset hounds is somewhat phlegmatic.
Thus, we can make sure that the variety of English dog breeds is great, in addition, British breeders do not stand still and may soon please dog lovers with another interesting breed.
When choosing and buying a pet, pay attention not only to the appearance of the dog, but also to its behavioral and physiological characteristics.
Popular breeds
English scientists have particularly succeeded in breeding hunting breeds of dogs, some of which are more than one hundred years old. They are divided into 3 categories:
- greyhounds;
- Spaniels
- cops.
Consider the names of the most popular of these breeds.
- Greyhound. Large dogs that have an active temperament.
- Deerhound. The original purpose of animals is deer hunting.
- Whippet or Small English Greyhound. The dog has a short coat and is friendly.
- Cocker Spaniel. It is one of the most common dog breeds around the globe.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Animals make good contact with people around them, have a charming appearance.
- English setter. One of the oldest breeds of dogs, used for hunting birds.
- Retriever Good-natured creation, ideal for families with children.
As you can see, among the English dogs there is a huge variety of breeds. Between themselves, they differ in appearance (short-haired and long-haired, with long and short legs, miniature and large), behavioral characteristics (active and phlegmatic, vindictive and good-natured) and physiological characteristics. In addition, representatives of different breeds need different levels of care.
Some English dogs are bred for a specific purpose: for example, to fulfill the role of a shepherd or hunting companion. Others are considered ordinary pets and family pets.