The Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog and also one of the most ancient breeds. In England, this sighthound was used to hunt all types of game, including deer, stag, fox, and hare. The Greyhound is a loving companion that enjoys the company of family and other dogs. He does best with daily exercise, and his short coat is easy to maintain.

DID YOU KNOW? Famous Greyhound owners include President Rutherford B. Hayes and General George A. Custer.

ALSO KNOWN AS: English Greyhound

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

The Griffon Bruxellois dog breed comes in two types: rough- or smooth-coated. The distinctive feature of a Griffon is its Pug-like face. The nose is quite short and turned up. Large, prominent eyes are another Pug-like feature as is the undershot jaw. This has led some people to liken the Griffon dog face to a monkey. This dog comes in red, black, or black and tan. Adults measure 18-20cm and weigh 2-5kg.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A smart-looking, strong, medium/large hound who is longer than he is tall, the Hamiltonstovare has a short, close-lying tricolour coat (black, tan and white). Adult male dogs are 53-61cm tall and adult females 49-57cm tall. They weigh 23-27kg.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

The only native breed of Cuba, the Havanese is a happy,outgoing dog with a friendly disposition. Originally, this sturdy toy breed was a pampered lap dog of the aristocracy. Later, his role evolved into that of a family companion, watchdog, child’s playmate, and poultry herder. With his intelligence, trainability and affectionate, nonaggressive temperament, the Havanese is an ideal family dog. The breed’s hypoallergenic coat does not shed but requires regular grooming.

DID YOU KNOW? The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Havanese Cuban Bichon, Youcef Sorry, Bichon Havanês, Havaneser, Havanezer, Bichon Habanero

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Basic training required
• Enjoys gentle walks
• Enjoys walking half an hour a day
• Little toy dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming daily
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

A large, powerful dog with a medium/long coat, the Hovawart is a little longer that he is tall. Dogs are noticeably masculine and females feminine. Adult males stand at 63-70cm and weigh 30-40kg and females are 58-65cm tall and weigh 25-35kg. The weather-resistant coat comes in black, blonde or black and gold.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

This is a large, powerful, noble-looking breed. Adult males are 71-75cm in height and weigh 40-52kg and adult females are 66-70cm tall and weigh 30-42kg. The thick double coat is pure white and the skin has patches of grey.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Extra training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
• Large dog
• Heavy drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Puli dog is easily recognised by his trademark coat - long cords, sometimes reaching the ground in length. They can be black, rusty black, white or various shades of apricot and grey in colour. Beneath the coat, this is a sturdy and muscular breed. Adult stand at 40-44cm and weigh 13-15kg; adult females are 37-41cm and weigh 10-13kg.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Medium dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Guard dog. Barks and alerts
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

A robust, noble-looking, medium-sized dog. Known for their affectionate natures and high energy levels, Hungarian Vizslas make perfect dogs for active families.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

The Wire Haired Vizsla a medium-sized, active dog with a harsh, wiry coat that is a golden sand to russet colour. They have a distinctive moustache and hairy eyebrows. They have a noble and graceful appearance and give the impression of great stamina. Adult dogs stand at approximately 58-62cm and adult females 54-58cm. They weigh 20-30kg.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog

Characterized by his tall, lean body, long tail and large, upright ears, the Ibizan Hound is an elegant Egyptian sighthound bred to hunt rabbits. This athletic, agile breed is known for his ability to jump six feet in the air from a standstill. Alert, affectionate and loyal, the Ibizan Hound is suitable for families with children. These hounds require vigorous daily exercise in a sizeable high-fenced area.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1922, historians discovered King Tut’s tomb and found the life-size statue of Anubis, who was known as the “Watchdog of the Dead.” The statue was identical to the modern Ibizan Hound. The Ibizan Hound is named for the Spanish island of Ibiza, where the breed was brought over by Phoenician sea traders in 3400 B.C. to hunt rabbits for food

ALSO KNOWN AS: Ca Eivissenc, Podenco Ibicenco, Ibizan Warren Hound

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for owners with some experience
• Some training required
• Enjoys active walks
• Enjoys walking an hour a day
• Large dog
• Minimum drool
• Requires grooming once a week
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• May require training to live with kids

This strong, intelligent dog is not just a different coloured version of the Irish Setter, but a distinct breed. The Irish Red and White Setter’s keen nose and ability to handle a variety of terrain and weather conditions make him an excellent hunter. Known for his endurance in the field, the high-energy Irish Red and White Setter needs ample exercise. Having a calm, friendly temperament, this breed is a good family companion. Weekly brushing is recommended along with routinely checking for burrs and matting in his feathered coat.

DID YOU KNOW? The Irish Red and White Setter, which dates back to the 17th century, is believed to be older than the Irish Setter.

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Chatty and vocal dog
• Not a guard dog
• Great with other pets
• Great family dog

An aristocratic bird dog known for his style, powerful movement and clown-like personality, the Irish Setter became popular in the 18th century throughout Ireland and the British Isles. This merry, friendly breed has a stable, outgoing temperament, making him a great family companion. The Irish Setter requires regular exercise, and his long, glossy, red coat must be groomed regularly.

DID YOU KNOW? The famed “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan’s first pet was an Irish Setter named “Saluki.”

ALSO KNOWN AS: Red Setter, Irish Red Setter

The need-to-know

• Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
• Some training required
• Enjoys vigorous walks
• Enjoys walking more than two hours a day
• Large dog
• Some drool
• Requires grooming every other day
• Non hypoallergenic breed
• Quiet dog
• Not a guard dog
• May require training to live with other pets
• Great family dog