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Working dog breeds are canines on a mission. They love nothing more than a job to do and will work tirelessly to get it done. Here is what you can expect if you decide to bring a working dog home. Working breeds are dogs with a job to do and a body ready to work hard at it. But they show off plenty of different characteristics across the group: from agile guarding dogs, to gentle giants and sled dog, also known as the long-distance runners of the canine world. Here is everything you need to know about these beloved dog breeds. A working dog's job description Working dog breeds come from all over the world and are, as their name suggests, hard-working breeds specifically developed to excel in specialist, non-herding jobs. This is primarily guarding and protection for people, livestock or property - but they also include sledging, draught work and rescue. Many of these dogs could historically also turn their paw to other working roles where needed. Sizes and coat types for working dog breeds These dogs are all large or giant breeds, and have a variety of coat types depending on the country they called home and the jobs they were called upon to do. Larger breeds usually come from colder climates and this is the case with the majority of this group. The natural instincts of working dog breeds Like all the different breeds, working dogs utilise their natural canine behaviours to do the jobs that humans have developed them to do. Their instincts have been honed to perfection by successive breeding to watch for intruders and then take the necessary action. Working breeds vary in how they use these instincts. Guarding dog breeds are extremely watchful and always on the alert for intruders or anything that could threaten their charges. Once an intruder or danger is spotted, they vary in their response as to whether they stalk it and then chase, or if they just chase. Once they have caught up to their target, they might grab-bite to stop them or bite far harder to disable them (or in the case of the Bullmastiff, pull them to the ground and sit on them!). But not all of the working breeds guard. Some (Bernese and Newfoundland as examples) are known as the gentle giants of the dog world even though they are equally hard-workers. While others, such as the sled dogs, are the long-distance runners of the dog world. Bear in mind that the predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for working dog breeds, which means they will need an outlet for these hard-wired instincts to manifest. However, don't think you need a country estate for your dog to protect or an arctic wasteland to sledge over, but it does mean that you need to be aware of these natural instincts and work hard to make sure your dog is fulfilled, happy and is a safe member of canine society. Working dog breeds' behaviour and personality In order to do their job successfully, working breeds have particular skills and characteristics. Strong and determined Many working breeds would be expected to confront any threat to their charges and so most are fully able to walk the walk and not just bark the bark! Others may be called upon to pull sledges or heavy carts which needs both strength and stamina. But whether sledging or seeing off intruders, working breeds are the 'never give up' members of t

Utility dog breeds are a somewhat miscellaneous category, created to group together dogs that don't fit into other dog groups. Here is why they don't belong to a particular group and how to discover the personality traits of a utility dog. Some of the most loved and well-recognised dogs sit in this category, so chances are this is where you'll find your perfect companion. A utility dog's job description This is the group that consists of all the breeds that don't fit anywhere else! Usually they are the 'ultra-specialists' that have been developed in a very specific geographical area, situation or to work within a unique profession. As such, there aren't breed characteristics and so owners have to look at their individual jobs to find out what these dogs are going to be like to live with. Utility dog breeds include dogs with jobs as diverse as running alongside fire engines and the carriages of nobility, attracting ducks, an early warning system for barge owners and monks, companions, fighting, and being an emergency Sunday dinner or fur coat!

Your dog is unique and they deserve a moniker just as special. We've put together the list so just go and find that unusual and unique dog name you're after. You're getting a new puppy - congratulations! Now on to the fun task of finding the perfect name for your new best friend. But you don't want something obvious - your dog is as unique as you are. To help, we've done the research and put together some of the best unusual dog names out there. Here is a list of unique dog names you wish you had come up with yourself: Male unusual dog names 1. Brooklyn Is your dog's personality cool, tough and unapologetic? Brooklyn might be the unusual dog name you are after. It's a great fit for a dog matching this famous New York neighbourhood's vibe, but it can also be a truly clever tongue-in-cheek nickname for a pup that is the total opposite, a sweet and innocent blob of fur. However you choose to play the naming game, Brooklyn is a great name with a nice ring to it and you won't mind saying it again and again, even when your Brooklyn pup is giving you some attitude. 2. Brian This is as unusual as dog names can get. No dog looks like a Brian and this is exactly the point. Just tell your friends they must meet Brian and the last thing they'll expect is a tail-wagging quadruped walking through the door. It also works great as a tribute to the vastly intelligent dog in Family Guy - Brian Griffin. So if you're a fan of his dry humour, this is the unusual dog name you're looking for. 3. Truffle Rare, precious and very sought after, the valuable truffles can give you the inspiration you are after to find the perfect unique dog name. Plus, once you start saying it out loud a few times, it starts to really make sense as a pup name. Give it a go! Female unusual dog names 4. Fifi What a great name for a posh, elegant dog that oozes classy vibes. It's one of the most affectionate names out there and it suits perfectly a small or medium-sized pup with some personality. Fifi is definitely the one to keep in mind if you prefer the cute unusual dog names. 5. Ruby This unusual dog name takes inspiration from a famous precious gem and is bound to give your treasured dog one of the most sophisticated names out there. Take a look at your dog and you'll instantly know if they are a Ruby. 6. Vesper Vesper is an elegant and classy name you perhaps heard for the first time in the James Bond movie Casino Royale. For all the pup owners that love a good meaning behind their dog's name, this might be the one. Vesper means "evening star" in Latin and it's particularly suited to give a dark pup an extra aura of mystery and sophistication. Plus, it just sounds great whenever you say it out loud. Famous unusual dog names 7. Einstein Yes, we all think our canine friends are smart and nothing short of genius. The way they understand what we're saying and sometimes even how we're feeling can easily surpass some of our human peers' abilities. If that fits your new furball, your dog's unusual name should be Einstein. 8. Churchill If you've got a serious, stately pup on your hands you should take a chance on Churchill. To try it out, call your dog by saying 'Churchill' out loud a few times. If you're getting their attention, chances are this is the winner. 9. Pollock Jackson Pollock is the famous American painter known for creating his art by pouring and splashing paint onto his horizontal canvass. If you just brought your new puppy home and the first thing they do is find a pool of mud, dive right into it and then splash your pristine carpets and furniture with full enthusiasm, no need to look any further for that unique dog name. Cute unusual dog names 10. Arrow Is your new canine friend a dog on a mission, always going after their target even when fences or people are in their way? What a better dog name than Arrow then? Short and sweet, your dog will learn it's them you're shouting after in no time. It might not always stop an enthusiastic dog chasing their target, but this unique dog name will definitely match their dedication to get whatever they are after. 11. Happy Does your tail-wagging companion need a name to match the good mood they bring into the room? Why not go straight for the feeling you had when you first held them into your arms. Happy is one of the sweetest monikers a pet can have - we say that's a winner. 12. Salty Some dogs become easily agitated over the smallest things. For those dogs there is a perfect pet moniker. If your new dog is fussy and always putting on a show when things don't go their way, Salty is the unusual dog name to go for. 13. Bestie Your new dog will definitely become your new bestie. It's just what dogs are for, right? So why not state the obvious? Bestie is short, cute and tells the whole world you're happy you found each other. Colourful unusual dog names 14. Coconut Coconut is the perfect name for those white and fluffy dogs, but you can also turn it into an unusual dog name and choose it for pups with dark fur too. Plus, you can always shorten it to the sweet nickname "Coco" whenever your dog deserves a good-deed petting. 15. Ivory Ivory might seem a strange idea at first, but after all, you are looking for unique dog names. Take inspiration from the creamy-white material found in fine art or jewellery and give your dog a name worthy of their good looks. Plus, you can always shorten it to Ivy when you want to show your affection with a cute term of endearment.

Dogs are forever loyal to their people and always willing to help us in times of need. This fierce loyalty and love to please means they make great assistance dogs for those with disabilities, impairments or mental health disorders. Read our guide to find out more about the different types of service dogs and the incredible jobs they do. Dogs are truly amazing. They're our faithful companions and provide us with companionship and love, all throughout their lives. This impressive loyalty and love of humans also means that they make wonderful aids to those with special needs and disabilities, as they're always willing to lend a helping paw to those who need it. Service and assistance dogs are often a lifeline to their handlers, offering more freedom and a boost to overall wellbeing. Keep reading to find out more about the types of service dogs and the amazing jobs they do.

Toy dog breeds are the ultimate companions in the canine world. But there is more to them than their tiny demeanour. If you're considering adding a toy dog to the family, here is what you need to know. Toy dog breeds have the unique ability to make us fall in love with them at first sight. They're tiny, never too far behind their owner and with a resolute determination to spend hours in their lap if given the chance. They're the perfect companion by nature, but there are a few things to know before adding them as a new member to the family. A toy dog's job description Unlike most of the other groups, toy breeds were not generally bred to work. While dogs such as the pastoral breeds or the gundogs were developed by utilising their natural canine hunting/scavenging behaviours to do various jobs, this group was developed from the natural social needs of the dog - especially their ability to bond closely to humans. This group is formed of small to tiny dogs from around the world who have been bred as companions - even if a few may have come from originally working ancestors. In most cases they were companions to wealthy ladies or royalty (or in some instances, religious orders). Toy dog sizes and coat types Given their cute name, there is no surprise that toy dogs are rather small companions. They come in various coat types - from the long and flowing like the silky Maltese to the wiry and unkempt Bichon with just about everything in-between. Toy dog breeds natural instincts Toy breeds were not expected to work in any other capacity than as companions (and in a few cases as an early warning system) and so generally have a fairly weak predatory instinct, being happy instead to be close companions. Those that were developed from working dogs (in some cases terriers) may however still retain these instincts.

Dogs are super intelligent animals, they can learn a huge amount of human language and can even understand your moods! But did you know that some dog breeds are smarter than others? Keep reading to find out what the top 5 smartest dog breeds are. Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals. Not only can our dogs learn and react to a wealth of human language, they also seem to be able to understand our moods. But did you know that some breeds are smarter than others? When it comes to deciding which dogs are smart and which are bottom of the class, it isn't as simple as you'd think. Dog IQ tests are mostly based on a dog's desire to get treats or toys, so the results are often coloured by how treat-driven the dog is. Over hundreds and sometimes thousands of years, dogs have been bred to be specialists at doing certain jobs, so some breeds excel at certain skills more than others. For example, Bloodhounds can follow a week-old scent for over 100 miles, while Border Collies are incredibly talented when it comes to showing off their tricks and agility. However, some dog breeds are particularly good at learning new things, including tricks and commands. So, we've put together a list of the top five smartest dog breeds from around the world.

Intelligent, strong but obedient, these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds will be happy to become part of the family. Find out more about their personalities and what it takes to be their owner. Wolves are majestic creatures that never cease to fascinate us. Perhaps because we've always had them in our homes, wrapped in the myth and mystery of our bedtime stories, art and film, we want wolf-dog breeds physically in our lives too. After all, they are the wild alter-ego of a pet pooch - powerful and fearless. The good news is that you don't need to be Little Red Riding Hood to have a wolf in your home, with these gorgeous wolf-dog breeds. There are many dogs that look like wolves, with long pointed muzzles, thick fur and bushy tails. And the good news is that they make great family pets. They're quite energetic and love long walks and playing games with their owners. Dog breeds that look like wolves 1. Siberian Husky The striking looks of Siberian Huskies have made them one of the most recognisable canines out there. Their stunning eyes, compact bodies and upright ears remind us of their wolf ancestors, but their playful and friendly personality helps them make fast friends with anyone. Siberian Huskies are athletic, full of energy and love to have a job to do. That's no surprise considering they used to be reliable sleigh dogs. So before taking a Husky home, make sure you have a solid plan for daily exercise, fun games and brain-teasing challenges to keep them occupied. 2. Alaskan Malamute Another strong-headed dog that looks like a wolf, the Alaskan Malamute is just as handsome as the Husky. Bigger and slightly fluffier, Alaskans will also know their way around a sled. But if you don't have one, they will be happy to spend their energy doing plenty of running, hiking and exploring all the world has to offer. Their double coat might seem an unstoppable fur machine, but these wolf dogs are such friendly and joyful pets that you will quickly forgive them for the extra house work. Their muscular build makes them very strong. After all, Alaskan Malamutes were bred to pull heavy weights for long distances. Keep this in mind when you walk them on a leash or they will end up pulling you along instead of the other way around.

Pastoral dog breeds come in many shapes and sizes, but they all love nothing more than having a job to do. Here is what you need to know about these hard-working canines, from grooming requirements to the type of exercise they like best. Pastoral dog breeds love working with their owners and will wag their tails whenever the whole family gets involved, whether it's training, exercising or play time. Given their expertise in moving and protecting livestock, it's no wonder that pastoral dogs can easily become reliable members of the family, always happy to cooperate, but extremely keen on large amounts of exercise. Find out what makes these dogs such beloved companions and discover the diverse line-up of pastoral breeds, including the short, but sturdy Welsh Corgi as well as the larger German Shepherd. A pastoral dog's job Pastoral dogs hail from all over the world, and were originally bred to herd, move and sometimes also protect, livestock. Depending on their size and skills, pastoral breeds were entrusted with diverse jobs that involved looking after sheep, goats, cattle or even in some cases reindeer. Pastoral dog breeds sizes As a result of their diverse background, pastoral breeds come in virtually all sizes and coat types, from the smaller heelers (who move livestock by nipping at their heels) to the giant breeds who are guardians as well as herders and hence need to be larger and more powerful. The natural instincts of pastoral breeds Like all working breeds, pastoral dogs utilise their natural canine behaviours to do the jobs that humans have developed them for. Pastoral breeds are specialists in watching livestock and then working with their owner, using the stalk/chase part of their hunting behaviour to move them where they need to go. A herding dog shouldn't bite their charges and so individuals who were weak in the 'bite' part of the predatory behaviour were generally used to create these breeds. The exception is the heelers - for whom nipping at the heels of cattle was their strategy for encouraging animals more than 10 times their size to go somewhere they might not want to. As this predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for dogs owners have to be aware that not only do their dogs enjoy carrying out these behaviours, they also need an outlet for their hard-wired instincts to stay healthy and happy. This doesn't mean you need a flock of sheep in the garden, but it does mean that these are hard-working dogs who relish having a job to do that involves owner interaction, and controlled stalking, chasing and brain work. Pastoral dog breeds behaviour and personality Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether a pastoral dog is the companion for you.

Military and police dogs are amazing in all sense of the word. These pups with super-powered noses assist in a huge range of duties for law enforcement including everything from drugs detection to general protection work. Learn all you need to know about the types of police dogs and the duties they carry out with Purina. There are some breeds of dog which are never happier than when they have a job to do. Previously, working dog breed types were used for hunting - and many still are - but as the land developed and areas became more urbanised, these breeds had to find careers elsewhere. Many of these breeds are now finding success in the police and military, thanks to their super-powered noses and strong work ethic. Today, military and police dogs are seen all over the world and they undertake numerous tasks including general purpose support work, search and rescue and detection. The work these dogs do is paramount in assisting the forces and they can even help to uncover evidence which may have been missed by the human eye, can quickly apprehend suspects and even help track down missing people. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the types of police dogs and the work they do. General purpose police dog types Almost every force will employ a number of general-purpose police dogs. Their main task is to deter suspects from running and if they do, to apprehend them and assist the officer in making the arrest. That's not all though - these police dog types can be used for anything from guarding, protection and tracking, and they're great at locating drugs, evidence and even human remains. The most common general-purpose types of police dogs you'll encounter are:

If you're looking to bring a new puppy into your life, you may be wondering about the potential financial implications that come with it. Find out everything you need to know with our handy guide. Deciding to get a new puppy is incredibly exciting, but often, people don’t spend enough time thinking about the financial obligations that go with it. While you may believe that it’s simply a case of having enough money to purchase your furrever friend, your puppy’s first year brings a wealth of costs that you need to account for too. If you’re thinking of opening up your home to a new puppy, you may be wondering what are the costs that you need to consider. Keep reading to find out what expenses you should expect in your pup’s first year. Buying a puppy The first question on your journey to puppy ownership will likely be how much does a puppy cost? The first factor that will influence this is the breed, as more in-demand breeds like Labradors and Bulldogs will always carry a higher price tag. It may also depend on the puppy’s heritage, if they’re from a showing background or if they're from certified dog breeders. Another question to consider when asking how much is a puppy is that if you’re buying from a reputable breeder, the costs will likely be higher. This is due to the fact that the sale of a puppy needs to cover running their business as well as providing high quality care. There are many costs a breeder will have to cover such as screening tests for the parents (if they’re a breed prone to illnesses), possibly stud services, de-worming and vaccination costs, registration fees and so much more. One thing to be aware of is to watch out for low prices, these can indicate a puppy mill or farm or reflect poor quality of care. If you’re not prepared to shell out hundreds or sometimes thousands on a puppy, you could consider adopting a puppy instead. You’ll still have to pay a fee which will cover their time at the centre, but this will usually be considerably less than buying a puppy from a breeder. Additionally, your adoption fee will also probably cover microchipping, vaccinations and neutering (provided they’re old enough). Puppy vaccinations Once you’ve got your puppy, the next step is vaccinations. These are essential as they’ll protect your puppy against diseases or illnesses. The puppy vaccinations cost will depend on your veterinarian, so make sure to consult your local vet for the standard set of vaccines your puppy needs. They’ll need these first vaccinations when they’re 6 – 8 weeks old, with the second following 1 – 2 weeks later. When buying from a reputable breeder or rescue centre, these vaccinations will usually already have been done before you pick them up. After that, you’ll need to take your pup for an annual booster. If your puppy hasn’t yet had their injections, some veterinarians will offer a ‘puppy club scheme’ which will cover puppy vaccination costs and may also include microchipping and help with neutering.

Getting a dog is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make - and one of the biggest! Like all important decisions, doing your homework before taking on a new pup will make sure that you're choosing the right dog for you and your lifestyle. It's important to carefully consider what dog you would like before taking one home. It can be very easy to be swayed by big brown puppy dog eyes or a fluffy ball of energy, but remember that a dog is a long-term relationship, so it's best for you and your pet that you're compatible. Your dog will be a part of your life for a long time to come, so it's important to research ahead to know what to expect. Getting a dog: key considerations

If it's dog names you're after, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. We've rounded up so many wonderful ideas that you'll surely find that unique, cool dog name in no time. Have a look. Looking for the best dog name ever? We put together a list of the ultimate dog names that will have you saying "this is the one". Find that unforgettable girl dog name you are after or the boy dog name that perfectly matches the awesome new pup in the house. There are plenty of amazing dog names to choose from below, so let's get to it! Male Dog Names Rocky Made famous by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is a dog name reserved for the strong-willed male pup, regardless of size. Rocky might be a Shih Tzu or a Great Dane - after all, it's not size but sheer determination that counts. So if you already recognise a go-getter in your pup then this famous metaphor for the underdog is also that perfect male dog name you're looking for. Bear Bear is another great male dog name that works for pups big and small. The larger dog breeds will enjoy a moniker that shows off their strength and independence, while small dogs can pull it off as a funny pun on their itsy-bitsy size. Iggy Iggy is such an endearing male dog name that you won't need anything else to convince you this is the one for your dog. But it turns out that the meaning behind the name is what makes many dog owners choose it for the new canine friends in their life. In Latin, Iggy means "the Fiery One", which matches any pup's adventurous side. Rebel If you've got a rule-breaker on your hands, there is hardly a better choice than Rebel. Short and easy to say over and over again even when your tough pup just does as they please, this is one of the cooler boy dog names out there. Hulk The Hulk might be the huge rage machine in the comics' universe, bulldozing everything in its way, but it can perfectly lend his name to a pup determined to do just that, even if on a considerably smaller scale. If you notice your new dog wrestling with their toys, constantly fighting blankets, curtains and table cloths, Hulk might be the boy dog name you are looking for. Female Dog Names Princess A list of female dog names has to include the moniker "Princess". For the elegant, girly dogs that start to strut around the house from the first moment they walk through the door there is just no better way to address them than by using royal terminology. If you're not careful, your new pup will definitely rule your home. Goldie A name inspired by this precious metal is perfect for your treasured addition to the family. If your dog's colour is a match too, then Goldie is truly a no-brainer girl dog name. Luna Luna, which means "Moon" in Latin, is one of the most popular female dog names. And rightly so. You can rarely go wrong with a name that has celestial meaning for a pup with cuteness levels out of this world. Zuzu For a girl dog name that is sweet, try Zuzu which actually means "Sweet" in Yiddish. Plus, it will make you smile every time you say it, so it's got to be at the top of your female dog name list. Just say it out loud a few times and you'll know what we mean.