England is the most populated country in the United Kingdom, with a population of around 53 million. It is bordered by Scotland to the north and Wales to the West. England is also the home of many famous scientists like Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.
Dogs are as much a part of England’s heritage as high tea and Shakespeare, and there are over 30 breeds that originated in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Here are a few of the most popular:
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are currently the most popular dog in the United States. And it’s easy to understand why. They are intelligent, responsive, sweet and friendly, hard-working, sensitive and fun-loving. They are obedient and devoted to their master. They are extremely affectionate and patient with children and friendly to everyone.
Labradors are not just loved it England, they are loved around the world. First brought to England by fishermen who used Labradors to recover the fish that had fallen from their fishing nets.
Today they are one of the most accomplished working and service dogs. They are trained to do many jobs, from retrieving for hunters, assisting in search and rescue, to helping the handicapped.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Named after King Charles II of Britain, this breed is well acquainted with aristocracy. You can just picture one relaxing on a velvet chaise lounge in an opulent setting. If you watched the HBO series Sex in the City, you might remember the episode when Charlotte adopted a Cavalier Spaniel and named it Elizabeth Taylor.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be an exceptional therapy dog because of their sweet, very gentle nature and because of their calm, sweet demeanor they are great companions for children.
Not more than 13 inches high, the Cavalier draws you in with his sweet, loving expression that can easily melt anyone’s heart. And those beautiful, mesmerizing round eyes are one of the hallmarks of the breed.
English Bulldog
Descended from the ancient Mastiff, the bulldog was developed and bred entirely in England and has a bloody passed. It descended from fighting mastiffs they were brought to the British Isles by the Romans and was used in a blood sport call bull baiting. But fortunately, over the years they have been bred to be affectionate and kind, so although they still have a ferocious appearance, today they no longer have that ferocious personality.
Amiable, laid back, and devoted (sometimes to the point of being stubborn), the English bulldog personality makes it a true blue companion for busy families and apartment dwellers alike. And, as it turns out, this breed doesn’t require quite as much exercise as other favorite dog breeds.
Over the years Bulldogs have become one of the most popular dogs in the country because of their sweet disposition and lovable nature. Probably the best-known bulldog is ‘Handsome Dan’, the mascot for Yale University.
From its endearing wrinkles to its commanding waddle, the English bulldog has come a long way since its less-than-humane origin.
Welsh Corgi
When Queen Elizabeth II was a child, her parents acquired a Pembroke Welsh corgi. She’s been in love with the breed ever since. The Queen has kept corgis even longer than she has known her husband of 69 years, Prince Philip. In 1933, her parents, the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mum), acquired the royal family’s first corgi, named Dookie. On her 18th birthday, in 1944, Princess Elizabeth received a corgi of her own, named Susan, who tagged along on her honeymoon, three years later.
Corgis originated as working dogs, used to help herd cattle and other livestock. Today, they are mainly family pets, but they still have that working dog spirit of the ancestors.
Corgi’s are adorable little troublemakers that you won’t be able to help but laugh at when they get up to some mischief. They are eager to please and have a lot of energy, although it won’t take much effort to tire them out. Corgis are also thought to have a great sense of humor and will provide your family with constant entertainment.
Their posture would tell you they think they’re standing tall, and they have all the confidence of a much larger breed. The Corgi personality ranges from happy, smart, fun-loving, loyal, stubborn, and playful. When they are given the proper attention and training, Corgis can certainly make great pets. One interesting fact: Corgi is Welsh for “Dwarf Dog”.
Cairn Terrier
Many people aren’t sure what a Cairn Terrier is, but mention the name Toto, and a picture of the breed forms in their mind immediately. The little terrier in the Wizard of Oz is a movie legend and indisputably one of the most famous dogs of all time. That’s why so many people, even if they don’t necessarily know the breed name, are attracted to this cute and spunky little dog.
In the Wizard of Oz Toto stayed on the Yellow Brick Road without a leash. And as any Cairn owner knows, you can never trust one of these dogs off a leash. Cairn Terriers were bred as hunting dogs, and have a powerful instinct to chase, dig, and explore.
Cairn terriers are considered intelligent, loyal family pets that adapt to most environments. They are true terriers, however, and consequently extremely active dogs. Some may be prone to excessive barking and others can be diggers. This is not a dog for someone who wants a quiet lap dog.
Assertive but cheerful, with typical terrier stubbornness, the Cairn Terrier must be shown that you are in charge. But he does respond well to consistent discipline and lots of praise.
Parson Russell Terrier
Since Victorian times, England had been home to a strain of terriers known as Parson Russell Terriers. They have a very strong and noticeable personality, and when properly disciplined, this personality will be cheerful, energetic, playful, and confident.
The Parson Russell Terrier is a breed of small white terrier that was the original Fox Terrier of the 18th century. The breed is named after the Reverend John “Jack” Russell, credited with the creation of this type of dog.
It may be similar to the Jack Russell Terrier but the Parson Russell Terrier is a breed all its own. In fact, it was distinguished as its own breed in 2003. But while the name is different, the essential look, temperament, and genuine qualities inherent to this breed have not been shaken in the slightest.
This is a smaller dog with the bright, energetic personality that many expect from smaller dogs, with a high propensity toward playfulness and confidence.
They are big dogs trapped in a tiny package. They can run all day, all night and keep coming back for more. There is no fooling a Parson Russell, as he is highly intelligent, quick witted and an excellent problem solver. They are spirited terriers, fearless and sassy with minds of their own and aren’t above causing mischief to get a laugh.
Parsons are highly trainable and are famous for their high-jumping antics. When raised alongside children, Parson Russells make fine family dogs.
Old English Sheepdog
The origin of the Old English Sheepdog remains a question of keen interest to Bobtail fanciers, and is still open to new theories and discoveries. However, there are traces of evidence which place its origin in the early nineteenth century, centered in the Southwestern Counties of England. Some maintain that the Scottish Bearded Collie had a large part in its making; others claim the Russian Owtchar as one of the progenitors of the Old English Sheepdog. It got the name of Bobtail because it was born with a short tail.
Sheepdog’s are a large, athletic dog breed with an unmistakable shaggy coat. Sheepdog’s were historically drovers, helping farmers drive cattle and sheep to the market. Today, the good-natured Old English Sheepdog enjoys the comfort of home life and still competes in obedience, agility, and herding trials. He’s an adaptable, intelligent dog with an easygoing disposition.
Sheepdogs are the archetypical shaggy dog, famous for their profuse coat and peak-a-boo hairdo, a distinctive bear-like gait, and a mellow, agreeable nature. This is a big, agile dog who enjoys exploring and a playing.
An adaptable, intelligent dog with an even disposition, has no sign of aggression, shyness or nervousness. Sheepdog’s are loving pets and a perfect companion to children and they’re equally happy in an apartment city or country home, provided he is with his family.
