10 English Dog Breeds You Should Know About

Many popular dog breeds have their origins in the United Kingdom, especially England. Some of these English dog breeds were bred for their working skills in hunting, finding and exterminating pests. Their temperaments vary: some are quite active and athletic, while others are much more laid back.

one

bulldog

Bulldogs appeared in England in the 13th century. Due to their powerful physique, they were used for bull-baiting, in which a pack of dogs fought against a bull. When the sport was banned in the 19th century, bulldogs were used for illegal dog fights. The breed was also crossed with other terriers. Since then, breeders have refined the dog’s appearance, making it stockier, with a flatter muzzle and more wrinkles than its ancestors.

two

beagle

In the 1500s, English hunters kept large dogs for hunting deer and small dogs for hunting rabbits. Beagles are descended from these little beagles. And in the 1800s, they were bred not only for their hunting prowess, but also for their friendly nature. English breeders favored the larger variety for fox hunting, while the Americans developed slightly smaller beagles for rabbit hunting. Two sizes are still recognized today.

3

Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier has its origins in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire since the 19th century. The first Yorkies were used as rodent exterminators, especially in textile factories and coal mines, but they also quickly won the hearts of the elite, becoming very popular companion dogs.

four

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

In the 17th century, Kings Carlos I and Carlos II liked small spaniels with black and tan fur. This spaniel remained popular among British aristocrats until the 19th century, when it was crossed with small Asian dog breeds, giving it a flatter muzzle and a domed skull. Then, in the 1920s, breeders tried to recreate the original version of the small spaniel from old portraits of dogs in English mansions, and the result was the cavalier we know today.

5

english springer spaniel

For centuries in England, both Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels (early versions of today’s Spaniel breeds) could be born in the same litter, and both were excellent hunters. In the 1800s, breed standards were developed for various types of spaniels, and in 1902 the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as a separate breed in England.

6

bullmastiff

In the 1800s, poachers attacked the estates of English aristocrats. To protect themselves, a huge, athletic and courageous dog was bred that could chase and catch anyone. This dog was a mixture of bulldogs and mastiffs, hence its name. He was big enough to be intimidating, but smart and loyal enough to follow orders.

7

english cocker spaniel

The first English Cocker Spaniels were born in the same litters as the larger Springer Spaniels. As spaniel breeds became stronger in the 19th century, a breed standard for the English Cocker was developed. Then, in the early 20th century, American breeders bred an even smaller specimen with a smaller head and a more pronounced domed skull.

eight

Airedale

Airedales are descended from the Eyre Valley in the north of England. In the 1800s, factory and factory workers bred these large terriers to be intelligent, hardy, and fearless hunting dogs. The Otterhound, various types of terriers, setters, retrievers and shepherd dogs became part of the Airedale Terrier. This created a versatile dog that hunted well on land and in water.

9

whippet

In the 1800s, miners in England wanted to participate in hunting and dog racing. However, they could not afford to have such large dogs as the Greyhound. So they bred a smaller dog that was just as good a sportsman and a hunter. It is likely that greyhounds were crossed with small but fast terriers, which gave rise to this small and fast dog. The modern version is still lightning fast and has a strong prey drive.

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ten

bull terrier

Bull Terriers have the same ancestors as modern Bulldogs. In the 1800s, Bulldogs were crossbred with Terrier breeds to produce strong, energetic fighters. The Bull Terrier originated from these crosses and was used in illegal dog fighting. However, it has also become a popular companion animal, prompting breeders to tone down its appearance and sweeten its temperament.