Germany is responsible for producing over 50 of the worlds most popular dog breeds. But do you know what these breeds are beyond the well-loved German Shepherd? When we say 'German dog breed', it's likely you'll think of the iconic German Shepherd, but did you know that over 50 dog breeds originated in Germany? The land of beer and fairytale-esque castles is currently ranked number three in the world for producing the highest number of dog breeds, which includes some of our all-time favourites. There are so many wonderful breeds to choose from, but we've done the impossible and picked just nine of our favourites. Keep reading to find out our top 9 German dog breeds, ranging from playful little terriers to big hunting dogs. German dog breeds Consistently scoring high on popular breed lists, people from all over the world have fallen in love with German dogs. Their popularity just keeps on growing and unsurprisingly, Germany now has one of the biggest dog export markets. 1. Dachshund The Dachshund's short legs and long body gives them an adorable appearance, but their disproportionate body was actually bred for a specific purpose. In German, their name literally translates to 'badger dog' and they were created to crawl into badger and rabbit dens. Today, this gorgeous German dog makes an excellent companion and watchdog - but because they're a hound you'll have to expect a bit of barking!

Black and tan dogs are truly stunning and their unique colouring has made them popular as show dogs and companions. At Purina, we think black and tan dog breeds are simply wonderful, that's why we've created this list of our top 9 favourites. Black and brown (or tan) is among one of the most striking colour combinations found in dogs. The two colours offer a stunning contrast which gives them a regal and smart appearance and once you see a dog of this hue, it's sure to make an impact. From elegant Dobermans to fearless Miniature Pinchers, we've created this list of black and tan dog breeds which are as wonderful in personality as they are in looks. 1. Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a strong and compelling black and tan dog that was originally bred to herd cattle to market. Due to their strength, they were also used to pull carts for butchers and farmers! Despite their often-fearsome reputation, this breed is very kind, loving and adores their people. Black and tan is the only hue you'll find this dog in and no other colour variations are currently accepted by The Kennel Club. 2. Doberman Perhaps one of the most iconic black and tan dog breeds on this list, the Doberman is a striking and elegant dog from Germany that has roots in guarding. Highly intelligent and very active, these dogs are extremely gentle and are always at their happiest when they're part of a family. Aside from stunning black and tan they can also be blue and tan, fawn and tan and red and tan.

Making the decision to grow your household by four paws is extremely exciting for all involved, but if you have children it can be difficult to find a suitable breed. We've created this guide to tell you all about the best dog breeds for families to help you to choose which best suits you. Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to exercise and appreciate the outdoors, whilst also helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. When thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the household, parents often worry about the specific dog breeds, as there are some which are a little less predisposed to tolerate the attentions of children. To help you ensure you find the best match for your family, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families. Keep reading for helpful advice and to learn which breeds are more predisposed to love family life. What characteristics makes a good family dog? First and foremost, it's generally less about the breed of your dog and more about their individual personality. If you're looking to share your home with both pup and child, your chosen dog should possess the following characteristics: • A calm and even temperament: your new dog should be calm and patient enough to be able to cope with the excitement of kids and eventually grow into a great friend for them. • An appropriate size: on average, very small dog breeds may be more excitable, and they could also be more fragile - as a parent you'll know that kids aren't always the gentlest. Large dog breeds on the other hand tend to be more docile, but they can run the risk of accidentally knocking small children over whilst playing. • Energy levels: this will largely depend on how active your family is. If you choose a high-energy dog, you'll need to make sure you have the time to take them for regular walks and playtime. Also, if you have young children who run around a lot, you shouldn't choose a low energy dog that may become frustrated by the constant excitement. It's not just about choosing the best dog breed for kids, but it's also about teaching your children to be kind to dogs, this will go a long way in ensuring you have a harmonious household. Best dog breeds for families Now you know about the characteristics that make a good family pet, it's time to look at dog breeds that generally have these traits. It's important to note that just because many owners have good experiences with these dog breeds and they are usually well-behaved around children, each dog is an individual, so there's always the risk that this won't be the case for every single dog.

If you or a loved one suffers from dog allergies it can be really frustrating. But did you know that there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that might not provoke your allergies? Keep reading to find out more. If yourself or a loved one has a dog allergy it can be really frustrating, and you may feel like you're missing out on all the unwavering love that a dog offers. For those unfortunate enough to have an allergy, you may have heard of hypoallergenic dog breeds. These dog breeds are commonly recommended because they don't shed hair or they produce less of a protein that causes allergic reactions in people. But is there really such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog? Keep reading to find out what actually causes allergic reactions to dogs and which breeds could be best for you. What are hypoallergenic dog breeds? Hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to come in two distinct varieties: the first is dogs with little or no hair, such as the hairless Chinese Crested, and the other is breeds that don't shed their coat, which will need to have their fur regularly trimmed or stripped. There is plenty of debate around what exactly causes dog allergies, and many people believe that the allergy lies within the hair, so dogs that don't shed won't cause allergic reactions. However, this is not the case as most people with dog allergies aren't actually allergic to the fur, it's usually either to dog dander - microscopic particles of skin that shed from all animals with fur or feathers - or a particular protein that is found in dander, saliva and urine of dogs. All dogs produce this protein, but hypoallergenic dog breeds produce less, meaning that they'll cause fewer allergic reactions. Despite claims, there is actually no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, so if you or a family member suffers from a dog allergy it's recommended that you spend time with your chosen breed first to discover if they will trigger any allergies. The following are hypoallergenic dog breeds that don't shed that may be suitable for people with allergies: 1. Bichon Frise This small, fun-loving pooch has curly white fur that keeps growing rather than shedding. Not only do they hardly ever drool, but their thick coat captures loose hair and dander, and this won't come out until the fur has been removed, so regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat. The Bichon Frise is highly adaptable to a range of situations, and if you live in an apartment these dogs can adapt relatively easily.

Having puppies is both exciting and exhausting for you and your pet. Whilst it’s wonderful to welcome adorable bundles of fur into your home, it’s hard work for a new mom to grow, deliver and look after a mischievous litter! Therefore it’s more important than ever for you to make sure she’s getting everything she needs from her food. Eating right will make sure that both mom and her puppies are happy and healthy. Although adult-formula food is great for everyday use, she’ll need an extra boost of nutrients when pregnant, especially if she’s expecting a large litter. Moms-to-be can get the higher amount of energy and protein that she’ll need from a high quality puppy food. Feeding your pregnant dog a puppy formula will help to support your pet during and after pregnancy. Your dog’s body condition (and any other medical requirements) can affect what nutritional demands she will have when expecting. You can find out more about your dog’s body condition with our body conditioning tool.

As our loyal companions grow older, it's not just their faces that begin to show a touch of grey. Their needs, behaviours, and health status often begin to change too. Recognising when your dog has transitioned into their senior years is crucial for providing them with the quality of life they deserve. But how do we know when our dogs have officially become 'seniors', and what does this mean for their care?

Keeping your elderly dog at a healthy weight is super important. Just like us, senior dogs often get less energetic as they age and so are prone to weight gain. This may mean they don't need as much food or that they need a change of diet. Extra weight can make older dogs less active and mobile, and even worse; it is associated with health problems like osteoarthritis, diabetes, and some cancers – along with difficulties breathing, and a reluctance to exercise or play. Sudden weight loss can also be a sign of underlying health issues, so it's important to monitor your dog's weight closely. We'll discuss how to recognise the signs of weight changes in your senior dog and provide tips on how to maintain a healthy weight throughout their golden years.

As our furry friends age, their needs shift, and we need to adapt how we care for them. Grooming isn't just about making our dogs look good; it's a vital part of keeping them healthy and clean, especially as they reach their twilight years. Grooming gives you a chance to monitor any new lumps or bumps and is a great way to spend quality time with your dog at a time in their life when you are maybe exercising them less. But don't worry; by making a few changes, using the right approach and eating the right senior dog food, we can ensure our ageing pets stayhealthy, happy and well-groomed.

A new study has revealed that there are many benefits of a dog that some of us might not have considered.

If you are considering adopting a dog you may have a lot of questions surrounding how the process works and what you can expect to experience. That’s why we have sat down with pet owner Eileen to quiz her on her dog adoption journey and the reward pet adoption has brought to her life.