Explore 78 breed and crossbreed profiles, with practical selection guidance and an A–Z comparison of care needs. This is not a list of every recognised breed worldwide.
Write down the walks, training, company and coat care you can provide on a normal working day, including wet weather and busy days. The table’s exercise and grooming labels compare relative demands; they are not a personal exercise prescription. Read each shortlisted breed’s training advice, pros and cons before deciding.
Match dog breeds to your daily routineA small dog is not automatically an easy or low-energy dog. For a flat, consider stairs, noise, access to outdoor space and regular toilet breaks, not just room indoors. A garden does not replace walks and interaction. Our Beagle profile, for example, lists moderate exercise alongside howling and wandering as ownership considerations.
Compare breeds for apartment livingLow shedding and low maintenance are different considerations. Ask what brushing, trimming and professional appointments the individual dog will need. Our Golden Retriever profile lists high grooming needs and heavy shedding. If allergies matter, do not treat a breed label as a guarantee: spend time with the dog and seek medical advice before committing.
Compare lower-maintenance dog breedsTemperament labels describe tendencies, not promises. Read the profiles for compatibility with children and other pets, then discuss the individual dog’s behaviour with its breeder or rescue. Plan introductions and a quiet retreat. A family-friendly label never replaces supervising children around dogs or teaching safe interactions.
Explore family dog breeds and their care needsLow exercise does not mean low overall care: our French Bulldog profile also flags breathing issues and heat sensitivity. Read each breed’s health section and discuss screening with a vet, breeder or rescue. Budget for food, routine care, grooming, training, holiday care and unexpected treatment. Obtain quotes for your own circumstances rather than relying on a general estimate.
Understand UK dog insurance cover and exclusionsChoose two or three profiles with demands you can realistically meet. Compare exercise, grooming, temperament and ownership trade-offs, then ask about the particular dog’s history, health and daily care. For crossbreeds, research both parent breeds rather than assuming only preferred traits will be inherited. Use the comparison to prepare questions, not as a guarantee of suitability.
Compare shortlisted dog breeds side by side| Breed | Size | Temperament | Exercise | Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghan Hound breed guide | Large | Dignified, Aloof | High | High |
| Airedale Terrier breed guide | Large | Courageous, Friendly | High | High |
| Akita breed guide | Large | Courageous, Dignified | Moderate | High |
| Alaskan Malamute breed guide | Large | Affectionate, Loyal | High | High |
| Aussiedoodle breed guide | Medium | Intelligent, Playful | High | High |
| Australian Cattle Dog breed guide | Medium | Alert, Curious | High | Low |
| Australian Shepherd breed guide | Medium | Smart, Work-oriented | High | Moderate |
| Azawakh breed guide | Large | Loyal, Independent | High | Low |
| Basenji breed guide | Small | Independent, Smart | High | Low |
| Basset Hound breed guide | Medium | Patient, Charming | Low | Low |
| Beagle breed guide | Small | Merry, Friendly | Moderate | Low |
| Belgian Malinois breed guide | Large | Confident, Smart | High | Moderate |
| Bernedoodle breed guide | Large | Goofy, Gentle | Moderate | High |
| Bernese Mountain Dog breed guide | Large | Good-natured, Calm | Moderate | High |
| Bichon Frise breed guide | Small | Playful, Curious | Moderate | High |
| Bloodhound breed guide | Large | Friendly, Independent | Moderate | Low |
| Border Collie breed guide | Medium | Intelligent, Energetic | High | Moderate |
| Boston Terrier breed guide | Small | Friendly, Bright | Moderate | Low |
| Boxer breed guide | Large | Fun-loving, Bright | High | Low |
| Bull Terrier breed guide | Medium | Playful, Charming | High | Low |
| Cane Corso breed guide | Large | Affectionate, Intelligent | Moderate | Low |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed guide | Small | Affectionate, Gentle | Moderate | Moderate |
| Cavapoo breed guide | Small | Affectionate, Gentle | Moderate | High |
| Chihuahua breed guide | Small | Charming, Graceful | Low | Low |
| Chinese Shar-Pei breed guide | Medium | Loyal, Independent | Low | Low |
| Chow Chow breed guide | Medium | Dignified, Bright | Low | High |
| Cockapoo breed guide | Small | Outgoing, Friendly | Moderate | High |
| Cocker Spaniel breed guide | Medium | Gentle, Smart | Moderate | High |
| Dachshund breed guide | Small | Clever, Stubborn | Moderate | Low |
| Dalmatian breed guide | Large | Dignified, Smart | High | Moderate |
| Doberman Pinscher breed guide | Large | Loyal, Fearless | High | Low |
| English Bulldog breed guide | Medium | Calm, Courageous | Low | Moderate |
| English Mastiff breed guide | Large | Dignified, Good-natured | Low | Low |
| Finnish Spitz breed guide | Medium | Friendly, Good-natured | Moderate | Moderate |
| French Bulldog breed guide | Small | Adaptable, Playful | Low | Low |
| German Shepherd breed guide | Large | Confident, Courageous | High | Moderate |
| Golden Retriever breed guide | Large | Friendly, Reliable | High | High |
| Goldendoodle breed guide | Large | Friendly, Intelligent | Moderate | High |
| Great Dane breed guide | Large | Friendly, Patient | Moderate | Low |
| Greyhound breed guide | Large | Gentle, Noble | Moderate | Low |
| Havanese breed guide | Small | Intelligent, Outgoing | Moderate | High |
| Irish Setter breed guide | Large | Outgoing, Sweet-natured | High | High |
| Jack Russell Terrier breed guide | Small | Energetic, Stubborn | High | Low |
| Komondor breed guide | Large | Loyal, Dignified | Moderate | High |
| Labradoodle breed guide | Large | Friendly, Energetic | High | High |
| Labrador Retriever breed guide | Large | Outgoing, Active | High | Moderate |
| Lagotto Romagnolo breed guide | Medium | Affectionate, Keen | Moderate | High |
| Leonberger breed guide | Large | Friendly, Gentle | Moderate | High |
| Maltese breed guide | Small | Gentle, Playful | Low | High |
| Maltipoo breed guide | Small | Affectionate, Playful | Low | High |
| Miniature Schnauzer breed guide | Small | Friendly, Smart | Moderate | High |
| Mudi breed guide | Medium | Intelligent, Active | High | Moderate |
| Newfoundland breed guide | Large | Sweet, Patient | Moderate | High |
| Norwegian Lundehund breed guide | Small | Alert, Energetic | Moderate | Moderate |
| Old English Sheepdog breed guide | Large | Adaptable, Gentle | Moderate | High |
| Papillon breed guide | Small | Friendly, Alert | Moderate | Moderate |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed guide | Small | Playful, Bold | Moderate | Moderate |
| Pomeranian breed guide | Small | Lively, Bold | Low | High |
| Pomsky breed guide | Small | Playful, Intelligent | Moderate | High |
| Poodle breed guide | Medium | Intelligent, Active | Moderate | High |
| Portuguese Water Dog breed guide | Medium | Affectionate, Adventurous | High | High |
| Pug breed guide | Small | Charming, Mischievous | Low | Low |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback breed guide | Large | Dignified, Affectionate | High | Low |
| Rottweiler breed guide | Large | Loyal, Confident | Moderate | Low |
| Saint Bernard breed guide | Large | Gentle, Patient | Moderate | Moderate |
| Samoyed breed guide | Medium | Adaptable, Friendly | High | High |
| Scottish Terrier breed guide | Small | Confident, Independent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Shetland Sheepdog breed guide | Small | Playful, Energetic | Moderate | High |
| Shiba Inu breed guide | Small | Alert, Active | Moderate | Moderate |
| Shih Tzu breed guide | Small | Affectionate, Happy | Low | High |
| Siberian Husky breed guide | Medium | Outgoing, Mischievous | High | High |
| Tibetan Mastiff breed guide | Large | Independent, Reserved | Moderate | High |
| Vizsla breed guide | Medium | Gentle, Energetic | High | Low |
| Weimaraner breed guide | Large | Friendly, Fearless | High | Low |
| West Highland White Terrier breed guide | Small | Happy, Loyal | Moderate | Moderate |
| Whippet breed guide | Medium | Affectionate, Playful | Moderate | Low |
| Xoloitzcuintli breed guide | Medium | Loyal, Alert | Moderate | Low |
| Yorkshire Terrier breed guide | Small | Sprightly, Tomboyish | Low | High |