Dog Breeds: B
Bagle Hounds are handsome and family-oriented dogs that have inherited their outgoing attitude from the Beagle and their kind, trusting personality from the Basset Hound. A moderately active dog, the average household (even within an urban area) should be able to provide all of the exercise a Bagle Hound needs. As they shed and drool, this hybrid may not be for everyone!
This rare water dog, thought to have originated in France, is today known affectionately as ‘The Father of all Poodles’. Barbets possess the characteristic webbed feet of the water dog, making them excellent swimmers. Their thick coat is well adapted for water and mud, though needs a lot of attention in order to prevent matting.
A hunting dog, not far removed from the wilds of Africa, the Basenji is a unique pet in many respects. While not capable of barking in the manner of other dogs, Basenjis are quite vocal and expressive. Suited to families or individuals with the time and space to deal with high energy levels, but care must be taken to contain their drive to wander and to hunt.
A good-natured, lively and highly intelligent breed, the Basque Shepherd Dog is well suited to the outdoor life and makes a great contender in a variety of competitive canine activities. Originally from the Basque region of Spain, incredibly, they are still used there today for pastoral purposes. Equally, however, they make a fantastic family pet, and are known for being particularly patient with small children.
A dog with a cheerful disposition who rarely gets stressed, the Bassador is the perfect companion for a young family. Owners can use their love of food to their advantage when it comes to their training, though must avoid over-indulging them which can lead to them quickly becoming over-weight. Despite their short fur, these dogs can shed like crazy.
A sweet little friend for life, the Basschshund dog will dedicate itself to its owners and will happily slot in as one of the family. Their moderate exercise requirements and small stature make them particularly suited to apartment life and they are quite happy to live in close quarters with children who they tend to adore.
A friendly, well-adjusted and calm dog, the Basselier is very easy to welcome into your home. They do not have excessive exercise requirements and can get along well with other dogs. This hybrid should not pose too much of a challenge when it comes to its training and does best when a positive reinforcement technique is used.
The Basset Artésien Normand is a medium sized scent hound that was developed in France to track game while hunting on foot. It is an excellent tracking dog and requires an active lifestyle, but also makes a friendly and affectionate companion, getting along well with children and other dogs. It’s long ears and skin folds can predispose it to infections, but otherwise, the breed requires minimal grooming.
An enthusiastic hunter with great stamina and an extremely sensitive nose, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a very old breed that originated in France, where it was used by peasants on foot to hunt a range of game. A very rare breed in the United Kingdom, it makes a playful and amiable pet that gets along very well with people and other dogs.
This typically low-slung small Basset breed hails from northern France, where it is extremely popular as a rabbit hunter, working either individually or in pairs through thick vegetation. However, it is also gaining popularity as a pet because of its cheerful disposition and sociability. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a perfect choice of dog for children, and it can mix with other non-canine pets, despite its hunting background.
With its comically abundant eyebrows and twitching moustache, the Basset Griffon Vendeen’s appearance gives some clues as to its friendly and jovial personality. Originally a hunting dog, it has now become a sought-after pet, but it retains a strong hunting instinct and must be watched around cats and other small pets. Petit and Grand variations exist, and both need plenty of exercise.
The Basset Hound is a medium sized breed with a placid and affectionate temperament. It was originally bred in France for tracking animals during hunts over large distances and has an exceptional sense of smell. It has a short coat, which requires minimal grooming, but can be prone to skin problems due to excessive wrinkles in addition to some other health problems. The Basset Hound is exceptionally good with children and other animals.
The Bassugg is a relaxed, easy-go-lucky dog that enjoys being around people and is comfortable in its own skin. Its body shape predisposes it to several health conditions and many will suffer with lifelong ear complaints. Amenable to training and highly food-driven, teaching this hybrid a trick or two shouldn’t be too difficult.
A brave, tenacious hunter with a keen nose for blood, the Bavarian Mountain Hound is finding its way from the wilds of southern Germany into increasing numbers of homes because of its devotion to its owner, coupled with its calm and poised manner. Though famously reserved around strangers, it is never shy or aggressive, and it has the patience and stoicism to tolerate even the rowdiest of children.
A good-natured and docile dog, the Bea Tzu makes a pleasant addition to most family homes. They are playful and fun-loving so do require attention and are happiest when around people and other dogs. Due to their small size, they are suitable for apartment life, though should not be left alone for long periods of time as they can become bored.
The Beabull is a Beagle Bulldog mix, stocky and strong like its Bulldog parent, with the long muzzle and dropped ears of the Beagle. They are fond of people and other animals, are loving and caring, protective and loyal, but also stubborn and noisy at times, given his independent manner. Additionally, Beabulls are generally calm, and they are very patient with children.
The Beacol is a delightful mix of the energetic, friendly Beagle and the intelligent and active Bearded Collie. These energetic hybrids will keep owners on their toes and they thrive when given lots of different things to keep them occupied. Most enjoy the company of other dogs and will do well with a canine buddy or two.
Beagis are a confident cross-breed that will happily devote themselves to their family but can be wary of new people. They come from working stock, which has ensured that they are keen exercisers and have good stamina when out on a hike or run. The short fur of the Beagi does not require a lot of upkeep.
The Beagle is small sized hound, which is gentle, intelligent and good natured. The modern Beagle was developed in Great Britain but has since proved enormously popular in the USA and Canada, as well as around the world. Beagles are exceptionally good with children and make good family pets, but can suffer from separation anxiety. They need a medium amount of exercise and do not require any specialist grooming. They suffer from some inherited health problems so selection of a healthy family line is important.
The Beagleman is a hybrid dog, a cross between the Beagle and Doberman. This is an intelligent but easily distracted dog that best suits owners with some experience. They are active and good candidates for dog-centric sports, such as agility or Canicross. In the wrong hands, the Beagleman can err towards being an anxious dog and is a big barker.
The Beaglemation is a hybrid dog, which is a cross between a Beagle and Dalmatian. These are high energy, playful dogs that can be stubborn and a handful to train. They are not suited to first time dog owners, can be prone to barking, and may chase other pets, such as cats. On the plus side, they are true characters and lots of fun.
Beagliers are small, sociable designer dogs with a reasonably long history. Particularly popular in Australia, they are known for their playful and affectionate personality, although they are rarely compatible with other non-canine pets. They are energetic and gentle enough to be suitable for most children, though their coat can shed quite heavily, and may be an issue for allergy sufferers.
A well-rounded and merry dog, the medium-sized Beago provides both an abundance of affection and entertainment. While a descendant of hunting dogs, the Beago has adjusted well to life within a home and enjoys interacting with the family and tagging along on hikes and jogs. Their abundantly friendly nature makes them a poor guard dog indeed!
The Bearded Collie is a medium sized breed of herding dog that was developed to work with sheep and cattle in Scotland. It is charismatic, bouncy and intelligent and extremely quick to learn. The Bearded Collie is an active dog and requires plenty of exercise. It has a long coat which needs regular brushing to keep it in good condition.
The Beardoodle is the perfect match for an active family who have a good-sized home with a back yard. They love to keep active and require a good deal of both physical and mental stimulation if they are to remain relaxed and content housemates. Their coat and ears can require some attention so owners should set aside time for grooming each day.
Although it has long been used as a hunting and guardian dog in its native France, the Beauceron is an unfamiliar breed to many. Highly intelligent and easily trainable, this is a dog that can reward a confident owner with unfailing loyalty and protection, but it needs discipline, intense socialisation, and plenty of exercise. It does not mix well with other pets.
A hard-working and energetic dog, the Beauceroodle is best suited to life in the countryside and relishes being given the opportunity to work. They are clever and responsive, meaning they can become highly trained in the right hands. Some are prone to aggression and due to their high prey drive they should be kept away from smaller animals.
Despite its appearance, the Bedlington Terrier is more wolf than lamb, and remains true to its working origins as a hunter. While keeping the home free of rats and mice, it will also be a loyal companion, a vigilant watch dog, and enthusiastic playmate. It gets along with other easy-going small breeds, but its headstrong, fearless nature means it should not be left unattended with larger or aggressive dogs.
The Belgian Shepherd is sometimes considered not one, but four breeds, and can be seen with a variety of coat types and colours. This large, intelligent dog is highly energetic, and is popular with police forces around the world for its trainability and bravery. It makes a loyal and obedient pet, but needs an experienced owner with the time to give it the vigorous exercise it needs.
Those that can look past its tangled, matted mess of hair will find the Bergamasco to be a very intelligent, gentle dog with the independence and determination that might be expected from a herding dog expected to work on its own initiative. The bizarre coat is a triumph of function over appearance, and is amongst the easiest to care for in the canine world.
Bernedoodles are a mix between a female Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle (Standard, Miniature, or Toy). They come in different sizes, coat colours, and hair textures and they are affectionate, gentle, and loyal. They were bred to be companion dogs and are thus the ideal pet for families with children, and for people with allergies, as Bernedoodles are hypoallergenic dogs.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, docile breed with an extremely good nature. Originally developed in Switzerland as an all round farm dog the breed has a thick coat, which can shed heavily but does not require specialist grooming. It is very loyal and likes to be part of the household, getting on well with children and other pets. The Bernese Mountain Dog can suffer from several health problems and lives on average for around 7 - 8 years.
The Bichon Frise is a small breed, which belongs to the toy group. The breed is intelligent with a happy, lively and extremely sociable character. It was originally from the island of Tenerife but was later developed in France. The Bichon Frise is fantastic with children and makes an excellent companion but can suffer separation anxiety. The breed ideally needs professional grooming and can suffer from some inherited health problems so selection of a healthy family line is important.
An adorable crossbreed with a spunky character, the Bichon-A-Ranian (Bichon Frise cross Pomeranian) makes for a great family pet. Given their tiny frame and moderate exercise requirements, they can easily be kept in a small home. They can generally be trained easily, even by first time owners, and will learn quickly in comparison to their peers.
Bichpoos are lively and affectionate companion dogs that are produced by cross-breeding the Bichon Frise and Poodle. Their playfulness and cheerful disposition allow them to fit in with young families, even those with other pets. The fluffy coat requires regular grooming, and the Bichpoo needs a good deal of exercise for a dog so small. Owners must be prepared to provide constant companionship to prevent separation anxiety.
A tall and lean scent hound that originated in France sometime in the 1800s, the Billy exists today in small numbers and is mainly kept as a hunting companion. Both the intelligence and good manners of this breed mean that, with the appropriate training, it can make an excellent family pet, just as long as it is given plenty of exercise.
The Black and Tan Coonhound originates from the US where he was bred to hunt raccoons. A gentle dog, but with a wanderlust and a love of howling, this canine character is a handful and, whilst he is reliable with children, his tendency to be led by his nose means he’s challenging to train and not suited to first-time owners.
The Black Mouth Cur is a multi-purpose farm dog that originated in the United States of America. There is great variability within the breed, though all are a resilient, medium-sized dog with strong hunting and herding instincts. Nowadays, most dogs are also accepted as family pets and thrive when living in a rural setting within an active household.
Closely related to the original grey Norwegian Elkhound, these are an active and hard-working breed of dog that love to be outdoors, even in the height of the harshest winter. Requiring plenty of stimulation, these lively dogs do very well when competing in outdoor activities and have a highly adapted sense of smell, which puts them at a distinct advantage when tracking and hunting.
Bloodhounds are gentle and loving dogs with a distinctive appearance due to their wrinkles, long, droopy ears, and hanging eyes. They are famous for their impressive sense of smell and are used by the police for tracking people, being able to follow a scent for a long time and over long distances. At home, they are excellent pets, very fond of children, and friendly towards other animals.
An originally Texan dog, the Blue Lacy is known for being fierce and brave. They are an enthusiastic and highly adaptable working breed, with a well-proportioned, muscular conformation. Their stamina and energy reserves seem endless, and they can endure even the toughest of weather conditions. A generally healthy and long-lived dog, they thrive in farms and on ranches, and love to be outdoors all day long.
A well-mannered, friendly and fun breed of dog, the Blue Picardy Spaniel is not only an accomplished hunting dog, but also makes a superb family addition, particularly for those households with young children. Highly intelligent and with moderate exercise requirements, this breed would fit in well with enthusiastic owners who live an active lifestyle and want a friend for the kids.
A hound that gets its name from its stunning, speckled coat, the Bluetick Coonhound is an athletic, medium-sized dog who is fantastic at trailing scents, even many days after the target is long gone. While valuable as hunters, they are equally suited to family life and make superb pets if provided with an active, outdoor lifestyle.
The Bluetick Coonhound Harrier is a hybrid dog, which is a cross between a Bluetick Coonhound and a Harrier. These active dogs require plenty of space and exercise. They can be vocal and love nothing better than chasing other animals. They are also friendly, outgoing, and fun, plus blessed with good health, making them a great pet for active families that are experienced with dogs.
Excitable and energetic, the Bo-Dach is a happy-go-lucky dog that thrives when around people. They are known to get on particularly well with children. Some can be very vocal and will always bark at new guests when arriving in the home. A good choice for those with smaller houses, these petite dogs do not require a lot of space.
The Bo-Jack is a hybrid dog breed – a blend of the Boston Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier. These small to medium-sized dogs are handsome but hyper and come with a strong personality and a need for plenty of exercise. Bo-Jacks can be tricky to train, have a strong prey drive, and aren’t always suitable members of a multi-pet household, however, in the right hands they make wonderful pets.
The Bocker is a cheerful dog and a great family companion, which requires plenty of exercise. They medium-sized, with a relatively easy-care coat, which may be solid red or black, or parti-coloured. The Bocker’s enthusiasm can over-ride their obedience, and so regular training sessions are mandatory. Considered on the whole a healthy breed, they may be pre-disposed to disc disease, obesity, ear infections, and eye-sight problems.
The Boerboel is a massive mastiff-type dog, native to South Africa. Bred to protect homesteads against big cat predators, this dog is intimidating and yet his hefty exterior hides a loving heart towards his family. Given the Boerboel’s size and strength, good socialisation is essential, as is an experienced owner well-versed in ethical ways to motivate large dogs.
The perfect mix of a loving companion and talented herding and sports dog, the Bohemian Shepherd has easily earned its status as a versatile and much-loved pet in its homeland, the Czech Republic. Diligent and quick to learn, this breed performs well in a huge variety of tasks and was even employed alongside the Chodove people to patrol and guard the borders of Bohemia in the 14th century.
One of the original lapdogs, the Bolognese has a long history that can be traced back through the aristocratic families of Italy. It is a playful, but serene, toy breed that rewards a loving owner with loyalty and devotion. Very sociable with other pets, and good with older children, it will fit well into most homes.
A multi-talented worker, as well as a gentle and protective companion, the Borador shows just how well designer dog breeding can sometimes work out. This Border Collie/Labrador Retriever cross is just as well suited to life as a family pet as it is to search-and-rescue or guide dog work. Its coat requires very little work, but it needs a lot of exercise.
A high-tempo, lovable friend for all the family, the Border Beagle makes a superb companion animal once provided with adequate training time and daily exercise. With brains to spare, this intuitive breed can master most training tasks with ease and has the potential to do well in a wide variety of canine activities and competitions.
The Border Collie is an English dog breed characterized by its tireless energy and stamina, and incredible intelligence, that puts it in the top list of the smartest dogs. They flourished as herding dogs, and are known for their staring gaze and herding tendencies, but they also make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate, loyal, and easily bonded to people. They require a large amount of both mental and physical stimuli in order to develop their full potential and be happy dogs.
An exuberant character that is always cheerful and full of beans, the Border Collie Spaniel can make a super running companion or farmyard dog. They like to have plenty of space and have the ability to run unchecked for hours on end. Forming strong bonds with people, this breed does not like being left alone for too long.
The Border Schnollie is a medium-sized hybrid dog, a mix between the Schnauzer and Border Collie with a wiry shaggy coat. They are an intelligent, energetic, loyal, and loving dog, but do best with an owner with some experience prepared to give plenty of exercise. Health-wise they can suffer from eye problems, hip dysplasia, pancreatitis, or diabetes mellitus.
The Border Terrier is a friendly, active, hardy, small breed of dog with a wheaten, red, grizzle or blue-coloured, rough-textured outer coat. The Border Terrier loves to do all of the things you would expect a dog to do – dig, run, jump, bark, eat and chase cats. The Border Terrier is a loving, cheerful companion, and an excellent playmate for children.
The Border-Aussie is a demanding and people-oriented hybrid dog that has huge potential for sports and other activities. They are energetic and smart, eager to be put to work and happy to complete any task asked of them. Notoriously destructive if under-worked, these dogs have gained a bad reputation for being hyperactive when placed in the wrong homes.
The Bordoodle is a hybrid dog, blending together the Border Collie and Poodle. They are medium sized, with long curling coats. Most importantly, they have an outstanding temperament and make a great canine companion for young and old alike. The Bordoodle needs a moderate amount of exercise and loves the challenge of obedience training or agility.
A good-looking dog with a personality to match, the Borkie has inherited the merry disposition of the Beagle and the affectionate and loyal nature of the Yorkie. Clever and curious, they pick up on new tasks quickly but can become easily distracted by different scents. They have moderate exercise requirements, which should be easily met by most.
The Borzoi is a large, quiet and sensitive breed of dog developed by the Russian aristocracy as a sighthound used to hunt many types of small wild game. It is independent in nature and training must be kept varied to ensure it does not become disinterested. The breed can find young children overwhelming and has innate hunting instincts, which mean it can be prone to chasing small animals. It does not require specialist grooming but does need regular brushing. Generally, the breed is healthy and does not suffer from breed specific health problems.
This shaggy-coated, long-legged scent hound was bred in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second half of the 19th century. Mainly used in the past to hunt large game, they continue to be employed for this purpose today. This is a very rare breed of dog and it is uncertain if any dogs have been exported internationally.
Spirited and charming, the Bossi-Poo will win your heart within minutes of meeting them. As they are well-mannered and smart, these hybrid dogs make excellent pupils though some will test their boundaries. As this dog can adapt well to apartment life and does not need huge amounts of exercise, they make a good option for city dwellers.
Bostinese dogs are lively and confident. While they are sprightly within the home, they have only moderate exercise requirements and are suitable for older or less active owners. As this breed can be sensitive and touchy, they should be trained thoroughly from puppyhood. Some breed members will be willful, making training harder than it needs to be.
The Boston Bulldog is a hybrid dog whose parent breeds are the English Bulldog and the Boston Terrier. This crossbreed is a loving and gentle companion dog of sturdy appearance and comical looks. The Boston Bulldog is a people dog, loyal and fun to be around, being great with children and easily adaptable to any family’s day-to-day life.
A small dog with a sparkling personality, the Boston Huahua will win over the heart of even the most reluctant owner. Full of self-confidence, they certainly know their self-worth and will strut around their home like they own it! Due to their low exercise requirements they can be kept within small homes, so are a popular choice of pet for city dwellers.
The Boston Terrier is a small, lively breed with an exceptionally sociable nature which makes them excellent companions. Originating from the USA, the Boston Terrier was influenced by several other bull and terrier breeds. It has minimal grooming requirements and lives to around 12 years old. It has some health problems and is a brachycephalic breed which can have problems breathing so care should be taken to avoid hot or stressful conditions.
Almost lost to extinction just a few short decades ago, this breed of dog is phenomenally rare, and almost never spotted outside its native Belgium. Traditionally used to herd cattle on farms, they are well-adapted to their role, and continue to work on Belgian farms to this day. They are equally adept at hunting, and even provided families with food when times were hard during World War I.
The Bouvier des Flandres is a large, sensible breed of dog who is both brave and extremely loyal. Originally developed in the Flanders region of Belgium as an all-round farm dog with excellent herding capabilities, the breed now fulfills other working roles and is kept as a companion. The breed has a thick, profuse coat, which requires regular brushing, but does not shed. The Bouvier des Flandres is an energetic breed that needs an experienced owner and plenty of exercise. The breed can suffer from some inherited health problems so carefully selecting a puppy from a healthy line is important.
An unusual-looking but quite handsome dog, the Bowzer adapts well to family life and makes a good pal to children of all ages. Relatively independent, they will not rely too heavily on their owners for their contentment and will rarely suffer from separation anxiety. Though small, these dogs do need a good amount of daily exercise to keep them in shape.
The Boxador is a hybrid breed, a mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Boxer. These are high energy, bouncy dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are best suited to owners with plenty of space and time to meet the Boxadors needs. However, the reward is a uniquely characterful companion that is loyal, loving, playful, and fun.
Boxanes make excellent family pets, even for those with young children. However, they require a good-sized back garden and a good deal of daily exercise. While they make for good training partners and are relatively intelligent, some will have a quiet and thoughtful nature and will need a lot of positive reinforcement if they are to fulfil their full potential.
The Boxer is a medium sized dog that originates from Germany where it was originally used for hunting and then by the army in World War I. The Boxer has a playful, happy character but is, at the same time, fearless and protective of its family. Boxers are energetic dogs and need consistent training and plenty of exercise. They can suffer from some health problems, so careful selection of healthy family lines is important.
An interesting looking dog with a prominent muzzle, soulful eyes and a distinctively curly coat, the Boxerdoodle has a confident character and bonds strongly with all members of the family, especially the children. They do require about an hour of exercise each day and can become destructive if under-exercised. They should be trained from a young age to keep them on side.
The Boxerman is a cross between a Doberman and a Boxer dog. They are enthusiastic, energetic, fun-loving fellows that are a good choice for energetic families. Their short-coat requires little by way of grooming, but also means they are not suited to extreme cold. Potential health problems include heart disease, slipped discs, and Wobbler Syndrome.
The Boxita is a classically attractive dog with a square head and strong body. They are naturally loyal to their owners and have a strong desire to protect them at all costs. They make good guard dogs and are constantly on high alert. This cross-breed needs a good deal of exercise and can become easily bored.
A German hybrid developed a few decades ago, the Boxweiler is a charismatic dog that isn’t afraid of anything. The ideal guard dog, this cross-breed is suspicious of new people, protective of those it loves and not lacking in confidence. Owners must be aware of their potential to pose a danger to society and need to keep on top of their training.
This sweet-natured and sporty brown dog is as suited to hunting and retrieving out on the water, as it is to curling up with you and your family by the fire in the evening. Docile yet energetic, they make a great companion to any child, and their intelligence, versatility and willing nature make them pleasantly easy to train.
The Bracco Italiano is a large breed of dog that was originally used as a pointer and retriever during shoots in Italy. The breed is very active and requires around two-hours of exercise a day. It has a gentle, docile character and is affectionate and good with children. Its coat is short and it does not require any specialist grooming.
Unknown to most people outside the hunting community, the Braque d’Auvergne is a long-established French pointer that can offer a great deal as a pet. Its innate responsiveness, eagerness to please, and intelligence mean it is generally very obedient, while it is remarkably affectionate and gentle, making it a great fit for homes with children. It needs a lot of exercise, and should not be kept with smaller pets.
A lively and athletic dog, the Braque du Bourbonnais excels when it comes to tracking and retrieving. Breed members love to keep active and are most often used to hunt, though do settle remarkably well into family life. Originally from France, while the breed extremely remains rare internationally, there is a small but stable population within the USA.
A family-orientated dog, the Braque Français is fabulously skilful at its job, making him both a great hunting companion and house-hold pet. Intelligent and composed, he takes well to all manner of training, and can become skilled at a variety of tasks. Sensitive at times, a patient and kind owner will benefit this dog most.
An obedient and affectionate hunting dog, the white and orange Braque Saint-Germain was once a regular on the Paris dog show circuit. Bred originally to hunt game, this breed continues to work to this day. While a working dog by nature, the gentle disposition of the Braque Saint-Germain makes it a well-suited addition to the family, as long as it is sufficiently exercised.
A versatile and vivacious little terrier, this breed is well-known within its native Brazil – though not yet in the rest of the world. Prized for their vermin catching ability, they thrive when outdoors and active, and have almost endless amounts of energy. A great addition to an active family, the Brazilian Terrier is highly trainable, plucky, spirited and a real pleasure to be around.
The Briard is a large breed of dog, which was originally used as a multipurpose farm dog and has excellent herding skills. It was developed in the Brie region of France and is very active, requiring about two-hours of exercise a day. It is a happy, lively breed, is extremely intelligent, and thrives on mental stimulation. The Briard is very loyal and highly protective of its family, meaning it makes an excellent guard dog.
The gentle nature of the Briquet Griffon Vendéen, as well as its playful spirit and ‘cartoon-like’ shaggy dog appearance means that it is a favourite breed of children. This hound adapts surprisingly well to family life, despite also being a genuine hunting dog. A word of warning, however, as the high exercise needs of this dog should not be ignored!
The Brittany is a clever, biddable dog from northern France that has traditionally been used as a pointer by hunters. Although its sweet disposition and sociability can make it a terrific choice for families with children or other dogs, it has extremely high energy levels that need to be managed through regular, intensive exercise.
The Broholmer is a rare Danish breed of dog that can make a gentle and affectionate companion with the right guidance. Large and well-muscled, this imposing dog has been used for centuries as a guard dog; a task that he is well-suited to with his often-distrustful nature. Consistent training from a young age is critical to ensure this powerful breed never gets out of hand.
This ancient, large- breed dog, native to the mountains of North East Romania is rarely, if ever, seen outside its home country. Prized for the loyalty it will show its family, and its ability as a guard dog, the Bucovina Shepherd that was once used as a protector of sheep and goats, is now more commonly seen protecting the households of urban Romania.
The Bugg is a hybrid dog, which is a mix between the Boston Terrier and Pug. The Bugg has a loving character and makes a good apartment dog. However, both parent breeds have flat faces, which increase the risk of a Bugg inheriting breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather. Other health issues include corneal ulcers, because of their large eyes.
Over a thousand years ago the Bulgarian Hound (or Barak) came into being. This coarse-coated dog is a consummate tracker and hunter, and is at his happiest when following a scent over rough country. His high prey drive makes him unsuited to live with other pets, whilst his need for exercise can be hard to meet in a city environment.
One of two native Bulgarian hunting dogs, the Bulgarian Scenthound is the most popular. He is a consummate hunter capable of impressive bursts of speed. Whilst the breed is over 1,500 years old, it’s little known outside of his native shores. A good natured dog, he makes for a fine family dog when raised in a home from puppyhood.
The Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier are physically very similar but are differentiated by their size. They are fun loving, charming dogs which can be independent and stubborn. They were originally developed as a fighting dog in England, but despite this, they do not look for trouble. They require minimal grooming and get on well with children. The breed does suffer from some health problems so selection of a healthy family line is important.
The Bulldach is a hybrid dog, which is a cross between the Bulldog and Dachshund. These sturdy, long low dogs are loving but should be treated with respect to avoid bringing out the feisty side to their character. Sadly, they are prone to several health conditions, including disc disease, eye problems, and underactive thyroid glands.
The Bullmastiff is a powerful, fearless guardian, but also a loyal and affectionate pet. Dependable with children and other pets, and reserved with strangers, the breed is an excellent choice of family pet for those with the space to accommodate them. They require little grooming, but produce a lot of drool! A moderate amount of exercise is required to keep them in good shape.
A rare dog, the Bullmatian is handsome and affectionate, forming strong relationships with its family and often becoming protective of them. They are athletic and enjoy regular exercise, responding well to basic training. While many have white fur with dark spots, this is not a breed requirement and some will have patches of colour or entirely solid coats.
The Bullpug is a fun and incredibly cute 'designer dog’ that makes a superb and loving companion. As with its parents, there are a large number of health conditions that this breed is predisposed to, so responsible breeding is crucial if the Bullpug is to continue to survive. Their low exercise requirements make them suited to less active households.
The Bully Basset is a hybrid dog, which is a mix of Bulldog and Basset Hound. This is a sturdy, medium to large-sized dog that loves sniff, chew, and bark, and a tendency to stubbornness. They are a loving breed and need regular exercise but should not be over-exerted. Their short coat is easy to care for, but does shed heavily.
A large Spanish pointer that has existed since the 16th century, the Burgos Pointer can hunt both feather and fur and is comfortable working over ground and water. Their versatility is likely what has contributed to their success over the centuries. While they have not yet gained international acclaim, they have a loyal following in central Spain.
The Bushland Terrier is a hybrid breed and is the result of crossing a Cairn Terrier with the Scottish Terrier. Bold, brave, and self-determined, they have a strong character and can be stubborn. The Bushland Terrier is predisposed towards a number of health problems that are present in both parent breeds, such as Von Willebrand’s disease, mitral valve disease, and patellar luxation.