The relationship between England and dogs dates back thousands of years. Dogs have played a crucial role in hunting and working in England for centuries. As society evolved, there was a shift towards keeping dogs as companions rather than just working animals.
England has been a significant hub for the development of various dog breeds. Several dog breeds originated there or have strong historical ties to the country. Here are the 20 most popular English dog breeds.
1. Beagle
AKC Recognition: Year 1885
Beagles are a popular breed of small to medium-sized hounds known for their friendly nature and keen sense of smell. Beagles were developed in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is believed that Beagles were bred to hunt hares.
These small hounds were famous among English gentlemen for their ability to track scents. The name "Beagle" likely comes from the French word "be'geule," which means "open throat" or "loudmouth." They have a howling-like vocalization, which they use to alert hunters to their location when they've found a scent.
2. Corgi
AKC Recognition: Year 1934
Corgis are a popular and distinctive breed of small herding dogs known for their short legs, long bodies, and charming personalities. Corgis originated in Wales, a country in the United Kingdom. The name "Corgi" is derived from the Welsh words "cor" (dwarf) and "gi" (dog).
The Corgis were originally bred to work as herding dogs, and their low stature allowed them to nip at the heels of cattle without getting kicked. They have a rich history as working dogs and have transitioned to become beloved companions and symbols of British royalty.
3. Border Collie
AKC Recognition: Year 1995
Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic breed of herding dog with a remarkable working ability and distinctive appearance. Collies originated in the border region between England and Scotland, specifically in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. The name "Border Collie" reflects their geographical origins.
They were originally bred to work on farms and assist shepherds in managing and controlling livestock. They have a fascinating history deeply rooted in the agricultural and pastoral traditions of the British Isles, and their continued role as working dogs and companions showcases their adaptability and versatility.
4. English Cocker Spaniel
AKC Recognition: Year 1946
The English Cocker Spaniel is a beloved breed known for its friendly disposition, and excellent hunting and retrieving abilities. The Cocker Spaniel breed as we know it today was refined in the 19th century in England.
In England, spaniels were bred and developed for specific hunting tasks. The smaller spaniels, which were adept at flushing woodcocks, were referred to as "Cockers." Today, they are cherished as both working dogs and loving family pets.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
AKC Recognition: Year 2003
Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic terrier dogs known for their tenacity and strong hunting instincts. The breed is named after Reverend John Russell, an English clergyman who lived in the 19th century. He is credited with developing the breed for fox hunting, primarily in the southern counties of England.
Jack Russell Terriers are cherished for their spirited and lively personalities. They became popular among fox hunters in the 19th century, and their popularity spread to the United States in the 20th century. Today, they are sought after as family pets and working dogs.
6. English Bulldog
AKC Recognition: Year 1886
The English Bulldogs were originally bred for bull-baiting, a cruel and bloody sport popular in medieval England. Bull-baiting was a popular form of entertainment in England from the 13th to the 19th century.
In 1835, the Cruelty to Animals Act in England banned bull-baiting, which led to the decline in demand for Bulldog-type dogs in this role. However, the breed was preserved, and breeders began to focus on developing a more gentle and companionable temperament.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
AKC Recognition: Year 1885
Yorkshire Terriers are a small and elegant breed with beautiful long coats and lively personalities. As the name suggests, Yorkshire Terriers originate from the county of Yorkshire in Northern England. They were bred in the 19th century by workers in the textile mills around Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield.
Yorkies were initially bred for their skills in hunting and catching rats in textile mills. Their small size allowed them to navigate the narrow spaces between machines and eliminate the rat infestations that plagued the mills. Over time, they became fashionable companions for the Victorian upper class and were selectively bred to be smaller and more refined.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
AKC Recognition: Year 1996
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming toy dog breed named after King Charles II of England, who reigned in the 17th century. King Charles II was known for his love of small spaniels and frequently had them in his company.
The history of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel reflects its evolution from a royal favorite during the Stuart period to a beloved companion dog with a strong following today. They are known for their gentle disposition, making them ideal pets for many families and individuals.
9. English Springer Spaniel
AKC Recognition: Year 1910
The English Springer Spaniel is a versatile and energetic breed often valued for their hunting abilities and their friendly nature as a family pets. The breed's name, "Springer," comes from its historical role in springing or flushing game birds during hunting.
The breed gained popularity during the early 19th century, largely due to the enthusiasm of King George IV of England. He was a passionate hunting enthusiast and strongly influenced the popularization of the Springer Spaniel as a hunting dog.
10. Whippet
AKC Recognition: Year 1888
Whippets are a sighthound breed known for their elegance and speed. The breed originated in the North of England, particularly in the coal mining areas of Lancashire and Yorkshire. They were primarily developed for hunting small game and racing in the working-class communities.
Whippets were originally the dogs of coal miners and other laborers. These working-class families needed small, fast dogs to supplement their diet by hunting for rabbits and other small game. Whippets' incredible speed made them famous as racing dogs. In addition to racing, Whippets have been used in lure coursing competition sports, where they chase a mechanical lure across a field, simulating hunting behavior.
11. Golden Retriever
AKC Recognition: Year 1925
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in the world, renowned for their friendly nature and beautiful golden coats. They were developed in Scotland and were meticulously bred for their retrieving abilities in the 19th century in the Scottish Highlands. The breed was developed by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks.
Golden Retrievers quickly gained a reputation as excellent hunting dogs, particularly for retrieving waterfowl. Their gentle mouths, love of water, and willingness to please made them outstanding hunting companions.
12. Greyhound
AKC Recognition: Year 1885
Greyhounds are elegant and graceful sighthounds selectively bred in England for specific hunting purposes. They were used for hunting games like deer, hares, and foxes, which required speed, agility, and keen eyesight. The first breed standards for Greyhounds were established in England in the late 19th century.
Their sleek and aerodynamic build suited them to chase games in open fields and coursing events. In the 20th century, Greyhounds also became famous for their speed and participation in Greyhound racing. Today, they have found a place as beloved family pets, adoption dogs from the racing industry, and therapy animals.
13. Airedale Terrier
AKC Recognition: Year 1888
The Airedale Terrier originated in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire, England. It was developed in the mid-19th century, primarily for hunting and as a working terrier. Airedales were used for various tasks, including hunting game such as otters, badgers, and rats. They also served as working dogs in a range of roles, including as guards, messenger dogs, and police dogs.
The Airedale Terrier is often referred to as the "King of Terriers" due to its regal appearance and versatile abilities. It is the largest of the terrier breeds. They have maintained their reputation as intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs. They are great family dogs.
14. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
AKC Recognition: Year 1974
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, often called the "Staffy," is a popular and strong dog breed. It hails from the region of Staffordshire in England, and its history can be traced back to the early 19th century. It was initially bred for various working roles, including as a farm dog and a fighting dog.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers were originally used for bull-baiting and ratting. They were prized for their strength, agility, and tenacity in these blood sports. Over time, bull-baiting and ratting lost popularity, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier's role transitioned to that of a companion and family dog.
15. Wire Fox Terrier
AKC Recognition: Year 1885
The Wire Fox Terrier originated in England in the 18th century. It was developed for the purpose of fox hunting. Wire Fox Terriers were bred to work alongside hounds during fox hunts. Their role was to flush out foxes from their dens and burrows, helping hunters locate and pursue the prey. Their small size allowed them to navigate tight spaces when pursuing foxes.
Wire Fox Terriers were highly popular among fox hunters in England, and they soon gained popularity as show dogs and companion animals. They became known for their charming personalities and distinctive appearance. They are still popular in dog shows and competitions today.
16. Labrador Retriever
AKC Recognition: Year 1917
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds globally, known for its friendly nature and versatility. Labradors' ancestors actually came from the island of Newfoundland, which is part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In the early 19th century, the breed was further developed in England, where it was bred for its retrieving abilities and hunting prowess. British nobility played a significant role in refining the breed. Labrador Retrievers have a rich history that reflects their transformation from hardworking dogs in the fishing and hunting communities to cherished and versatile family pets worldwide.
17. English Setter
AKC Recognition: Year 1884
The English Setter is a graceful and elegant gundog known for its distinctive feathered coat and excellent hunting abilities. Their history can be traced back to England, where it was developed as a gundog in the early 19th century. The breed's development is largely credited to clergyman Edward Laverack and sportsman R. Purcell Llewellin.
English settlers were originally bred for the specific purpose of hunting game birds. They were used to locate game birds and then "set" or crouch near the birds without disturbing them. They are great family pets with gentle nature and compatibility with children.
18. Old English Sheepdog
AKC Recognition: Year 1905
The Old English Sheepdog is a distinctive and iconic breed known for its shaggy appearance and herding abilities. The breed originated in England in the early 19th century. They were primarily bred for herding livestock and also employed to work with cattle.
They are often good watchdogs and will alert their owners to anything out of the ordinary. While they still possess strong herding instincts, their friendly and gentle temperament has made them beloved family pets and loyal companions.
19. English Toy Terrier
AKC Recognition: Year 1886
The English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) is one of the oldest toy breeds that originated in England. It is descended from the larger Black and Tan Terrier, which was used for ratting and as a general-purpose terrier in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The English Toy Terrier gained popularity in the 19th century and became favored by British royalty. Queen Victoria herself owned and exhibited these dogs, contributing to their popularity. English Toy Terriers are primarily kept as companion animals today.
20. English Foxhound
AKC Recognition: Year 1909
The English Foxhound is a noble and athletic breed specifically developed in England for fox hunting. The breed is known for its stamina and excellent hunting abilities. They were bred for their hunting prowess and ability to work in packs, known as "hunts," to track and pursue foxes.
They have high energy levels along with remarkable endurance and stamina. While they still serve in hunting roles in some areas, they have also found a place as energetic and sociable companions for those who appreciate their unique heritage and temperament.
Petjurni Team
