Working Breeds
Aidi
This is a friendly looking guardian dog from Morocco.
Akbash
This working dog from the Akbas region of Turkey will tend to bark if left out at night.
Akita
Japan's National Dog and former Imperial guard dog, this is one to keep on the leash in public places.
Alaskan Malamute
Bred by the Mahlemuts tribe in Alaska, this strong dog can be aggressive around other same-sex dogs.
American Eskimo Dog
Available also in other sizes, this American bred dog was never actually used by the Eskimos!
Australian Kelpie
This is a tireless working dog from Australia, but with its roots in the North of England.
American Pit Bull Terrier
This "Poor Man's Horse" was bred as an all round working dog before later being mis-used in dog fighting due to its high pain threshold.
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
An old Turkish breed, and one that wasn't actually used for herding despite the name.
Bernese Mountain Dog
This versatile dog from Switzerland has been used for farm work as well as search and rescue.
Boxer
A German breed, this former bull-baiter and fighting dog is now a companion dog, and one that often copies the mood of its owner.
Bullmasiff
A powerful yet docile dog from Great Britain, one that needs keeping out of extreme heat.
Chow Chow
This faithful Chinese dog has had many jobs in the past, including giving up its fur for making clothes.
Dogo Argentino
Banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act, which really is down to people's use of the dog rather the dog itself, as it was bred initially as a companion, a guardian and a hunting dog.
English Bulldog
This national symbol of Great Britain is a very dependable dog despite its violent history.
Fila Brasileiro
This Brazilian dog is possiblly the hound from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "Hound of the Baskervilles".
French Spaniel
Another rare breed, this is a very sociable dog that was initially bred as a pointing dog.
Great Dane
From Germany and not Denmark, surpisingly, this is the dog the cartoon character "Scooby Doo" is based upon.
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
This huge animal from Switzerland was used for a variety of purposes including pulling carts.
Great Pyrenees
This is a tough dog from France, and was bred to guard sheep from wolves and bears.
Greenland Dog
This ancient breed from Greenland can have its roots traced back roughly 12000 years.
Kangal
The National Dog of Turkey, and a natural guardian.
Karelian Bear Dog
This Northern European dog is a fearless hunting dog, known to be able to turn a bear on its heels or attack one that is silly enough not to run!
Keeshond
Holland's National Dog, this dog is also know as the "Smiling Dutchman" due to the way it grins.
Komondor
Used in Hungary for guarding sheep, this large dog has an unusual mop-like coat.
Kuvasz
Devoploed in Tibet as a bodygard, this dog's deep bark makes it an effective watchdog.
Leonberger
A sweet-natured German dog that wisely tends to avoid any trouble brewing in its household.
Lhasa Apso
This long coated dog was once considered sacred in its country of origin, Tibet.
Mastiff
This is a gentle giant from England, but was originally bred as a fighting dog for battle.
Miniature Poodle
The unmistakeable poodle is a curly haired dog originally from Germany, and owes its trademark haircut to its former role as a water retriever.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Another war dog, this time from the Southern regions of Italy.
Newfoundland
Canadian by descent, this dog was used by fishermen for pulling in nets.
Norweigan Lundehund
Having the aloofisheness of a cat, this dog from Norway can be almost impossible to housebreak.
Patterdale Terrier
A working dog from Patterdale in Cumbria, like many terriers this little chap was bred for hunting foxes.
Poodle
Despite being known for its French origins, this water dog was actually standardised in Germany, where it is known as the Pudelhund, with Pudel relating to puddle.
Portuguese Water Dog
This "Dog of Water" was often given a Lion trim, like the poodle, to assist in free movement while keeping vital organs warm.
Presa Canario
From the lovely Canary Islands, this dog was bred for the not-so-lovely sport of dog fighting.
Rottweiler
Named aftert the town of Rottweil in Germany, this can be something of an aggressive dog.
Saint Bernard
A lumbering dog from Switzerland, this dog was the star of the 1992 film called "Beethoven".
Samoyed
A peaceful natured dog from Russia, this dog is thought to be related to the Siberian Husky.
Schipperke
This brave and playful dog from Belgium is not to be trusted around smaller pets, especially those normally kept in cages.
Shar Pei
Bred in China as a fighting dog and then for herding, this dog needs plenty of exercise to retain a calm disposition.
Siberian Husky
This Russian Husky is well equipped, having hair between its toes to provide better traction on the snow and ice.
Sussex Spaniel
Devloped in Sussex, England, this dog is still quite rare in its own country after almost becoming extinct following World War Two. They are however, popular in America.
Tibetan Mastiff
An ancient dog from the Himalayas, this dog is a fond digger.
Tibetan Spaniel
Bred by Tibetan monks, this "prayer" dog was often a revered gift.
Tosa Inu
A Dog from Japan that was and still is bred for fighting, and thankfully is rare.
Toy Poodle
Originally from Germany and not France, the trademark coat was originally for keeping vital organs warm while allowing free movement through water for retrieveing ducks.