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Take a deep dive into the world of hound dog breeds and discover the behaviour and personality that makes them such beloved family members. From giants to dainty dogs, this group has got them all. From the majestic Afghan Hound to the miniature stance of the Beagle, hound dog breeds have stolen our hearts for generations. If you're thinking of bringing one home, there are a few things you need to know. With profiles that include various sizes, personalities and instincts, here are the hound breeds in a nutshell. A hound dog's job The hound dog breeds group consists of dogs who were developed to help humans with hunting either on horseback (generally the longer-legged hounds dogs) or on foot (the shorter-legged hounds). They do this in two very distinct ways - either using their keen eyesight or else by following a scent. Some of these hounds are pack hound who work in a group while others work individually. Scent hounds Scent Hounds, as their name suggests, love to follow scent trails even over long distances. They love searching for things as part of their playtime, and with their impressive stamina they're the perfect companion for long walks. Scent hound breeds are also keen to go searching for objects hidden around the home and garden at the end of scent trails, which means lots of fun and games for you both. They enjoy carrying soft toys, but may not respond particularly quickly to training or even be that interested! They normally have pendulous ears and a smooth or wiry coat. Sighthounds Sighthounds are playful, high speed sprinters who love to chase and, as their name suggests, hunt by sight rather than through their noses! If you have a sighthound, allowing them to exercise their natural instincts is an important part of their unique care. Sighthounds love to run, occasionally setting off on very fast sprints that leave you behind! Physically, your sighthound has an athletic, slender and streamlined shape with proportionally long legs and a long, narrow face with close-set, forward-pointing eyes. Although generally quite placid and relaxed indoors, your sighthound is constantly looking out for moving targets to chase outdoors - it's all part of the fun for such a fast-moving dog! Unlike Gundogs, hound breeds don't retrieve fallen game to their handlers and work far more independently. They were very much the preserve of landowners and nobility (and sometimes poachers!) with most coming from Europe (especially France) although some hail from the Americas or the Far East.

Gundog breeds are some of the most loving dogs you can wish for. They like to keep busy and are extremely friendly with all the family members, cats included. Here is what it's like having them as companions. Gundog breeds are often described as the perfect family dog. They love children, cats and will get excited about seeing other dogs too. Originally bred to help their owners hunt game, these days they are a reliable and loving companion that will easily look for trouble if they are bored or lack enough exercise. If you're considering adding a gundog to the family, here are some of the things you need to know. A gundog's job description Being largely the preserve of the aristocratic shooting set, gundog breeds mostly come from around the UK and Europe, with a few US additions. As their name suggests, these dogs were bred to help those hunting game with guns - and do so in a variety of different ways. Retrievers These are the breeds who retrieve fallen game (usually birds, and often at long distances) and bring them back to their owner Spaniels These are the expert hunters of the gundog world and they will find game and flush it out for the guns. Modern working spaniels will retrieve to hand too. Pointers and Setters These are the dogs who locate game, usually at a longer distance than spaniels, and so will alert their owner to their presence by freezing so as not to alert them until the guns can get closer. Hunt, point, retrieve dogs These are multi-skilled dogs who can hunt, point and also retrieve. These different jobs within the group means that there are a variety of different behaviours and personalities within gundogs, but they all have the same need for a lot of exercise in all weathers and plenty of stimulation. The natural instincts of gundogs Like all working breeds, they utilise their natural canine behaviours to do the jobs that humans developed them to do. Gundog breeds are specialists in watching game and working with their owners to stalk or grab. A retriever shouldn't damage fallen game however and so individuals who were weak in the harder 'kill bite' part of the predatory behaviour were used to create these soft-mouthed breeds. Owners should be aware that this predatory behaviour is self-rewarding for dogs, as hunting for food was originally part of a dog's survival instinct.

If you don't have much time to spend hours each day walking your dog, then a laid-back dog breed could be for you. Keep reading to find out which breeds are more than happy to curl up and snooze on the sofa. There are some dogs who are constantly on the go every minute of the day and are always ready to jump into any adventure or activity with all four paws. But there are other calm dog breeds who after a daily walk, are quite happy to snuggle up and snooze on the sofa. If your schedule is far too busy for a high energy dog and you just want a buddy you can chill out with, then you might want to consider a quiet dog breed. Keep reading for our top five laid back dog breeds that you're more likely to trip over snoring, than find underneath your feet looking for games! Calm dog breeds Calm dog breeds are ideal if you have a busy schedule or if you live in an apartment and don't have lots of space for your pooch to run around. Where our top five calm and lazy dog breeds may not require as much exercise as high energy breeds, it's still important that they're regularly walked to stimulate their brains and to prevent any destructive behaviours forming. 1. Bassett Hound When they're not hot on a trail following a scent, this laid back dog breed is usually found lounging on the sofa, patiently awaiting their next snack. They're known for their gentle natures while inside the house, but are also always up for an adventure out on a walk, and love nothing more than to engage their natural instincts and sniff out a trail. Although the Basset Hound is a calm dog breed, it's important that they're regularly exercised and that their diet is monitored as they're prone to obesity. 2. Bullmastiff

There are so many benefits of having a dog, of course there's the obvious benefits like extra exercise and a best friend for life, but they can also improve your physical and mental health! It's known far and wide that dogs are man's best friend. Their adorable faces and happy go lucky attitudes fill our lives with such joy, but did you know that there's actually numerous benefits of having a dog? From helping you to get fit to meeting new people, your puppy can actually help to improve your health and social life. Want to find out more? Keep reading to discover the benefits of dogs! Life is better with dogs Nothing beats a long walk with your four-legged friend on a fresh, spring morning. Or seeing the joy on their faces when you pick up a ball and they know it's playtime in the local park! Even relaxing at home feels better in each other's company. There's an old saying, which is certainly true, that dogs repay the love you give them ten-fold. Before you rush out and adopt a dog, it's important to think it through very thoroughly. Caring for a dog can be hard work and it's a lifetime commitment, as your dog will be relying on you for many years to come. Once you're sure you have the time and lifestyle to include a dog in your life, and you've done your research about different dog breeds and personalities it's time to look at all the benefits of owning a dog. Having a dog can help you stay active One of the key benefits of having a dog is that they significantly increase the amount of exercise you do on a regular basis - and you might not even notice it! While it can be difficult to motivate ourselves to go for a walk alone, when we know our puppy needs exercise, we often don't think twice. All those strolls through the park and adventures in the wood add up. Even playing games with your dog counts as exercise. You've probably noticed how tired you feel after a long game of 'fetch', even though your dog is the one who's been running around. One of the biggest benefits of dogs is the way they encourage you to be more active, which supports your health as well as theirs. Having a dog is a great way to meet new people One of the unexpected benefits of dogs is the way they add to your social life. Going to obedience classes, saying 'hello' to other dog walkers when you go to the park with your canine companion - there are dozens of ways in which your dog makes you more sociable.

Just as feeding your dog the right diet is vital to helping them to stay healthy and energetic, giving them the emotional nourishment they need is vital to helping them to stay happy! Introduction to dog types With the South African Kennel Union recognising over 200 dog breeds and a whole host of other crossbreeds and types, choosing your perfect canine companion might seem a bit daunting at first. Different types of dogs have different needs. If you have a Terrier, for example, he will love digging, whereas a Scenthound would prefer to follow a trail to a hidden stash! A Livestock Protection dog may be happy on his own for long periods of time, but a Toy Dog needs lots more attention from you to feel content. So getting to know your dog's personality and behavioural needs is vital to keep them as happy as possible. Why are there so many different types of dogs? If you travel around the world and look at village dog populations, you will see far more similarities than differences. Left to its own devices, the domestic dog is pretty similar no matter what country they come from. They are medium-sized, smoothish-coated, of various shades of brown with tulip shaped ears and a tail with a white tip (for easy communication) that is often held over their back. They may be slightly smaller in hot climates and larger with more coat in cold climates but basically, they are all very similar. They live alongside the human population but do not have a relationship with them. By contrast, when you look at the types of dogs we live with today, there couldn't be a wider variety in terms of size, shape, coat-type and personality.

Adopting a new puppy or dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but what can you expect from the entire process? There are so many dogs in animal shelters all over the world looking for their forever homes, including both puppies and older dogs. These adorable dogs may have come to a rescue centre because they've had a rough start to life or their previous owners may no longer have been able to care for them. One thing's for sure though, rescue dogs just need someone who can offer them plenty of love and understanding. If you think you could offer a rescue dog or puppy a warm and happy home, keep reading and we'll answer all your questions, including how to adopt a dog and where to find a rescue centre. Should I adopt a dog or a puppy? Adopting a dog or puppy from a rescue centre can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you be supporting the work of a worthwhile charity, but you'll also be giving an unwanted pup a second chance. If you're thinking about adopting a dog, you'll need to decide whether you have time for a bouncy puppy or want to get a calmer, older dog instead. Puppies will demand a lot of devotion such as training, cleaning up, disciplining and will require plenty of attention to give them everything they need. Because of this, it's not a good idea to consider a puppy if you work long hours or if there won't be someone around during the day to care for them. On the other hand, if you adopt an older dog, they will already have an established routine, a degree of training and will generally just be more responsible. Finding a friend for life If you're unsure what kind of dog best suits your lifestyle, home and family, your local dog adoption centre can help with that. When you express an interest in rescuing a dog or puppy, the dog rescue will usually give you a questionnaire to fill out to better understand your current circumstances, then they'll be able to recommend a suitable dog for you. They're well versed in finding good matches for both people and pets, so you can rest assured that they can help in finding you a friend for life. Additionally, leading charities can offer you lifelong support, so if you ever have issues with your dog, most rescue centres will be willing to help. If your circumstances ever change, most will welcome their dogs back again too.

Where some may find them overwhelming due to their large size, giant dog breeds actually make perfect family pets. Discover 10 of our favourite big dog breeds. Tiny teacup pups aren't for everyone - while their teeny paws may delight some dog lovers, there are those out there looking for a little more dog to love. Giant dog breeds can be intimidating, and of course they'll require more upkeep and a lot more space than a Chihuahua or a Shih Tzu, but their large size makes them the best cuddle companions and when well socialised, they can become amazing family members. If you've got room in your home and on your sofa, a giant dog breed can be the perfect match for you. Keep reading for our top 10 big dog breeds. 1. English Mastiff Standing between 27-35 inches tall and weighing around 200-230 pounds, the English Mastiff is among the biggest dog breeds alive today - in both height and weight. Known throughout history for its fearsome beginnings, this breed is descended from ancient war dogs and now warms sofas around the world and makes a loving family member. When they're not snuggled up with their favourite humans, this giant dog breed is also used for security, police and military work thanks to their high intelligence.

Dogs and children can be the best of friends when raised together and can offer a number of benefits to each other, including everything from increased playtime to happier mindsets. Read on to find out more about the advantages of dogs and children growing up together. Most children love dogs. They're cute, cuddly, and oh-so-friendly. But did you know that growing up with a dog can actually benefit a child's physical and psychological development? Here are some of the many benefits of dogs being in children's lives. 1. Constant companionship Although childhood isn't always easy, having a pet provides constant companionship through the ups and downs. Dogs can be a great source of comfort for kids - even when they're coming to grips with difficult life lessons. Whenever kids feel sad, angry, or afraid, they can always turn to their pet. Petting and cuddling dogs has also been shown to relieve stress and help people relax. 2. A more active lifestyle Caring for a dog also encourages a more active lifestyle. Children with dogs exercise eleven minutes a day more than their non-dog owning peers. That might not sound like a lot, but over a week or month, it really adds up. Many dogs require daily walks or runs and plenty of play time. Those adorable puppy eyes they give you are sure to motivate you - even when you're not feeling up to it. Here are a few fun dog exercise ideas that will keep all the family moving. 3. Learning responsibility Having a pet is a great way to teach responsibility to kids. Making sure that the family dog has food and water gives children a first glimpse of accountability and obligation. Children also learn empathy and compassion by caring for their pet, while developing a higher level of self-esteem by taking care of their pet-owning responsibilities. 4. Health is wealth Studies have found that babies raised in close contact with a pet get sick less often in their first year of life, meaning fewer visits to the doctor's office. Exposure to pet dander and the microbes that pets carry into the home from the outdoors is suggested to improve babies' developing immune systems. Research has also found that children who grow up with dogs experience a reduced risk of allergies. 5. Learning unconditional love Kids are the center of attention in any family and they quickly learn that the world revolves around them. This is why it's important to expose them to concepts such as unconditional love or loyalty. What better teacher than our canine companions?

The perfect companion might be a small fluffy joy of a dog that can't wait for you to come home so you can cuddle together for the rest of the evening. If you're eager to welcome a small pup into the family, we've rounded up some of the most popular small dog breeds. If you've always wanted a nice little dog that draws smiles everywhere you go, this is your chance to get familiar with the cutest small companions ever. We've put together some of the best small dogs you could wish for. From tiny fluffy pooches to the ones ready to charm you with their bold looks and adventurous spirits, these small dog breeds are a delight to have in your life. The best small dogs 1. The cute Bichon Frise Imagine the perfect small dog breed and you'll probably come close to the Bichon Frise's baby-doll face, plush coat and always-happy personality. They are lively and love to learn new tricks, but the Bichon is equally happy all curled up on your lap in the evening. They love people so much that they'll make friends for life with any human that stops to pet their snow-white fluffy coat. And thanks to their cotton ball looks and sparkling big black eyes, there will be plenty of them, from family and friends to complete strangers. The downside of all this affection they show is that they need it back in return. Bichon Frise dogs don't like being by themselves and can go through bouts of separation anxiety if left home alone. If you can arrange for constant human presence, this is one of the cutest small dog breeds to welcome to the family.

Big fluffy dog breeds are made for cuddling. There's nothing more comforting than wrapping your arms around them and burying your fingers in their impressive coats, but these coats present an additional challenge - lots and lots of grooming! There's nothing better than a cuddle from a big, fluffy dog breed. Their wonderfully large size coupled with their oversized coats make them the perfect snuggle companions. But you'll need to make sure you have enough space in your home (and sofa) for one and plenty of time to dedicate to a regular grooming schedule! If you love pups which are larger than life and have plenty of coat to run your fingers through, these big fluffy dog breeds are sure to be just what you're looking for. You'll be delighted to know that most have the teddy bear personalities to match too and the biggest hearts you could wish for! 1. Pyrenees Mountain Dog This large and gentle dog breed has roots dating back as far as 3000 B. C. and was originally bred for guarding sheep and livestock. Unforgettable with their beautiful, big white coats, the Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an excellent guard dog with exceptional hearing that's capable of hearing you approach from a serious distance. They're known to be very vocal and will use their impressively loud bark to protect your home. But you'll need to ensure they're well socialised so they don't mistake visiting family or friends to be intruders.