Know Your Breed

With an air of self-importance that belies its diminutive size, the Pomeranian exudes cheeky confidence. Notoriously bossy and blessed with a cute fox-like face, this little character is the ideal companion dog — if you can keep him in his place…

Known as the world’s fastest couch potatoes, Greyhounds are a very special breed of gentle snugglers. Let’s take a closer look at this elegant breed, with a history that goes back at least hundreds of years. Being extremely fast and agile, yet exceptionally loving and docile, the Greyhound has a loyal following. And like the

Big, furry, active and clumsily friendly, the Newfoundland is a working dog in the true sense of the word. Best suited to bigger spaces where it can get its webbed paws dirty to its heart’s content, the Newfoundland will make a wonderful family pet and an even better swimming partner.   Origins Like its names

With its friendly, laid-back attitude, the Bernese Mountain Dog is the ideal large family dog — especially if you live in the colder parts of the country. Originally bred as a working farm dog, this sturdy breed with its flowing locks does best when kept busy, and being around its people.     Although this

With its toned, muscular body and graceful posture, the Vizsla sure is one fine-looking animal. Energetic, athletic and eager to please, this medium-sized pointer dog is the ideal companion dog for the active, outdoorsy kind of person. Origins and nature Going as far back as the 10th century, the Vizsla has its origins as a

With its energetic and intelligent temperament, the Australian Shepherd is a dog that aims to please. A ‘working dog’ in the true sense of the term, this breed is highly trainable but will require a full list of daily activities to keep it happy. Considering the rivalry between South African and Australian sporting teams, locals

Tiny, confident and utterly adorable, the Pekingese is a companion toy dog in every sense of the word. With its distinctive squashed muzzle and lion-like mane, this breed is about looking proud and graceful, with a personality far, far bigger than its minute size. Origins The Pekingese is an ancient breed dating back 2000 years,

Few dogs have as blue-blooded a name as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Indeed, the breed has aristocratic street cred — its predecessor being hugely popular with the ladies of the English nobility during the reign of King Charles the II in the 17th century. And with its ears resembling the elaborate wigs of that

It’s fair to say that as far as the Maltese go, people’s opinions are divided. They either love it, or they look at its well-groomed snow-white coat with a perplexed expression, thinking: “What’s up with that dog?” Whichever side you’re on, you’ll have to admit that the Maltese is one of the most recognizable breeds

So here’s a fact I bet you didn’t know: the only dog to have won Best of Show title at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show three times was a Fox Terrier. In fact, it was a chap called Warren Remedy, a smooth-haired foxy who won the title from 1907–1909. Which just shows that