Dog Breeds: G
A noble and elegant breed, the Galgo Español has been used throughout the centuries in Spain as a coursing dog. Nowadays, they are recognised for their ability to make a loving and good-natured pet and are often re-homed after their working days are done. Sweet with other pets and children, they have the ability to slot in easily to just about any home.
The Galician Pointer is the Spanish relative of other, better known breeds, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer and the English Pointer. A hunting dog adapted to retrieve birds and rabbits, the Galician is brave, intelligent, and loyal. Sadly, numbers of this intriguing dog are low due to outbreeding with other pointers in the 1970s.
The Gascon Saintongeois was created shortly after the French Revolution as a hunting dog. They have an exceptional reputation for being family-friendly and eager to please. But their prey drive means the Gascon Saintongeous doesn’t mix well with cats or other small mammals. Sadly, this breed which deserves to be better known, is also endangered.
German Longhaired Pointers are the least common of the German Pointers. They are a calm and gentle breed that thrives on attention from their owners. Their stable temperaments make them good playmates for children. They are exercise fiends who require at least on to two hours of open space exercise per day.
The German Pinscher was a vermin-hunting farm dog in its native Germany, and is an intelligent, confident, and assertive companion. With its strong character, it may not be the ideal choice for a novice owner, but with sufficient commitment to training and socialisation, it can become a devoted pet and a very capable guard dog.
An active dog with a big heart and the ability to be trained to a high standard, the German Pointeraner is a good choice of pet for an active household with experienced owners. Some breed members may develop vices, such as garden digging and incessant barking, though if exercised sufficiently this tends to not become an issue.
The German Shepherd is a large, athletic and intelligent breed of dog that has impressive versatility in its ability to be trained for a variety of purposes, including as a police dog, as guide dog for the blind, and as a faithful family pet. The German Shepherd is an active dog and requires more than 2 hours of exercise per day.
A highly-desired breed, the German Sheprador is quickly gaining recognition around the world. Inheriting the loyalty and intelligence of the German Shepherd and the fun-loving personality of the Labrador, this breed can provide owners with some of the most desirable characteristics of two of the most popular dog breeds around. Families should be prepared for plenty of affection, commotion and a little bit of mayhem!
A happy-go-lucky dog who will keep its owner on their toes, the German Shorthaired Lab enjoy playing, working and keeping active. Once adequately exercised, they make wonderful pets and will happily cuddle up to their family on the sofa in the evening, seemingly unaware of their size and weight! Due to their heavy shedding, house proud owners may wish to steer clear.
Stylish and regal, German Shorthaired Pointers are all-purpose dogs developed for hunting. They are highly energetic and need tons of outdoors exercise. They are also attentive towards their family, developing a strong bond with their owners, to whom they are loyal and affectionate. The German Shorthaired Pointer gets along well with other dogs, but has a strong prey drive towards small pets.
The German Spaniel is unlikely to be kept as a pet by virtue of its insatiable desire to hunt. This tireless and cheerful dog remains popular in its homeland as a versatile hunter, but is rare in other parts of the world. It is extremely sociable with other dogs and humans, but cannot be trusted with smaller pets.
In Europe, the German Spitz has been man’s indispensable canine companion for thousands of years, and has spawned many of our modern breeds. It is a watchful and alert dog with plenty of energy, and bonds strongly with its owners, needing to be in their company at all times. It has a natural wariness of strangers that needs to be managed through socialisation training.
The German Wirehaired Pointer was developed in the 19th century as a hunting dog able to withstand cold and wet climates. They are friendly and loyal companions that form strong bonds with their families. They have limitless energy that make them ideal as companions for active families who can spend plenty of time outdoors with them.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is the rarest of the Irish terriers. They are a loyal breed of dog who loves spending time with their owners whatever they’re doing. While they’re energetic and love to run around, they’ll be just as happy chilling out. Their small size and relaxed attitude to exercise make them suitable for urban living.
The Goberian is a hybrid dog, a mix between the Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky. This active dog needs plenty of exercise, and their thick double coat sheds heavily. Affectionate and friendly, the Goberian’s worst habit is escapology. Potential health problems include poor hip or elbow joint, blood clotting disorders, and a tendency to bloat.
The Goldador is a large, handsome hybrid that is both a gentle and obedient pet and a valuable working and hunting dog. If kept as a pet, it makes a wonderful playmate for children of all ages, and it is extremely sociable. With two working parents, it is energetic and intelligent, and needs to be kept active and stimulated.
An interesting new hybrid, the Golden Akita has inherited the mellow manners of the Golden Retriever and the protective nature of the loyal Akita. A large dog that enjoys keeping fit, owners should be prepared for plenty of time exercising this powerful canine. This is a breed that excels at being both a watch dog and a guard dog.
A confident and fun-loving dog, the Golden Boxer loves to be around people and is always eager to please its master. Most will take very well to children and, when socialised adequately, enjoy living in multi-pet households. Loyal to their owners, they will protect their home and can have a tendency to become prolific barkers.
A high energy, fun-loving dog that often acts like the puppy that never grew up, the Golden Cocker Retriever is an adventurous soul. Their big heart means that they adore all of their family, forming particularly good relationships with the children. With high exercise needs, this breed needs a big home and lots of space to run around in.
A kind-hearted and affectionate breed, the Golden Dox makes a great pet for active families with young children. They love to be surrounded by people and their intelligence and enthusiasm make them good training companions. As they require plenty of exercise and attention, they should not be homed somewhere where they would be left alone for long periods.
A handsome hybrid, the Golden Irish is a blend of Golden Retriever and Irish Setter. Their working roots mean they need plenty of exercise, whilst a stubborn streak can make them tricky to train. But do things right and the Golden Irish makes a delightful family dog capable of participating in hikes and an active lifestyle.
A jolly, easy-going dog, the Golden Mountain Dog is a great choice for families with young children, thanks to their gentle disposition. Due to their dense fur, this is not a breed that tolerates hot weather well and they would ideally be homed in cooler climates. With brains to spare and a willingness to learn, these guys can be easily trained.
Big dogs with even bigger hearts, Golden Newfies don’t have a bad bone in their body and will openly show love and affection to their whole family. They are especially tolerant of children, making them a good choice for the younger family. As they shed a lot, slobber excessively and take up a lot of space, they may not be the right breed for everyone!
Placid, mild-mannered dogs, Golden Pyrenees can make good family pets though do require adequate socialisation and ongoing training. Some are stand-offish around new people and can be on guard with unfamiliar guests. These dogs enjoy a consistent lifestyle and should be exercised for a minimum of an hour every day to prevent them from becoming bored and over-weight.
The Golden Retriever is a large, friendly, affectionate, gentle dog which was originally bred for retrieving during shoots. It has an exceptionally good character and is highly trainable, and great with children. The breed is very active and requires lots of exercise. It has a medium length coat, which can shed heavily and also suffers from some health problems.
The Golden Rottie is an impressive looking dog with a sturdy body and a handsome face. Not only are they gentle and loving around those they love, they also bond closely with their nearest and dearest; ready and willing to protect them if the time every came. Well-muscled and sporty, Golden Rotties need a good deal of exercise.
Loving but protective, the Golden Shepherd is an energetic large breed dog. A hybrid between the Golden Retriever and the German Shepherd, the resulting pups may show a range of traits linked to either parent. They have the potential to be great family dogs, however, early socialisation of pups is essential to overcome any traits toward anxiety.
The ideal dog for those who like to keep active, the Goldendale will happily tag along at any opportunity possible. The perfect jogging companion, they can be trusted off lead once trained. For those owners who are more sedentary, failing to provide enough exercise will result in a frustrated dog that uses its energy to chew up furniture and dig up the soil!
Goldendoodles are a relatively recent addition to the ranks of the designer dogs. The adorable, fluffy appearance reflects the dog’s lovable and affectionate nature, and it is an ideal family pet, as it is very gentle with children and tolerant of other animals. Goldendoodles thrive on company, and should always be at their owner’s side.
The Goldmaraner is an elegant crossbreed, which is part Weimaraner, part Golden Retriever. As such, they are loving, active, and smart dogs who make excellent pets. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They should be properly trained due to their prey drive and they may be wary of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs.
The Goldmatian is a hybrid dog, which is a cross between a Golden Retriever and Dalmatian. They are a large dog with a short to medium length coat and spotty markings. The Goldmatian is active, needs plenty of exercise, loves company, and are a good match for active families. Potential problems include hip dysplasia, underactive thyroid glands, and thyroid cancer.
The Gollie is a calm and happy dog that is happiest when spending time with its family and bonds closely with young children. These dogs thrive when allowed to spend lots of time outside and are happiest when hiking and swimming. A dream to train, this clever cross-breed doesn’t take long to master a new trick.
The Gordon Setter is a confident and self-assured dog originating from Scotland. The largest of the setter family, it is an independent-minded and stubborn dog that rewards consistency with affection and loyalty. While it is often not keen on the company of other dogs, it is good with children and very protective of them. This breed needs a lot of exercise.
A dog with a big personality and a love of the great outdoors, the Gordondoodle benefits most from owners with an active lifestyle who live in a rural environment. Stubborn at times and sometimes wary of other dogs, intensive training and socialisation should begin from a young age to bring out the best in this new cross-breed.
The Gos Rater Valencià or Valencian Ratter is one of five native Spanish rat-hunting dog breeds. Diminutive in size but not in nature, the Valencian Ratter is an action-packed fellow who needs plenty of exercise. A small dog with a big bark, they mark a great guard dog but aren not suited to apartment life.
A relatively rare breed of dog, the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir is a large and powerful, black and white Scent hound that originated in France several centuries ago. Particularly adept at hunting large game, including deer and boar, this hound is prized for its impressive sense of smell and its ability to work well within a big and boisterous pack.
A scent hound used for hunting game in large packs, the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange is a large French breed that was developed in the 1800s. Well-adapted to its work, this dog is known for its stamina and enthusiasm when on the hunt. A dog with a docile nature, interactions with its family tend to be positive and relaxed.
The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is a hunting dog that is rarely spotted outside of its native France and is almost exclusively used as a working animal. Usually kept in kennels in large packs, these dogs relish the opportunity to be outside and scenting trails. While generally even-tempered, it is not recommended that this breed be kept solely as a companion animal.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was the favoured hunting hound of noblemen in Medieval France. Their packs were used to hunt large game animals, such as deer, wolves and boar. Their primary role is still as a working dog. Their high exercise requirements and tendency to be noisy make them most suited to rural environments.
The Grand Griffon Vendéen could be described as an exuberant French gentleman of a dog, with a habit of following his nose to wander off. A gentle character who likes to make friends, the breed’s main disadvantage is their wanderlust and a stubborn streak, which makes them tricky to train, and they do best with experienced owners.
The Great Dane is a giant dog breed developed around the 16th century in Germany and refined until today to be the graceful, noble-like, and gentle dog we know. They were initially bred to hunt wild boars, but its function disappeared over time, as well as the aggressiveness required for the task. Today, they are a popular breed among dog lovers, with its huge size but sweet temperament. They are great with children and they love being around people, always snuggling with their owners and even other pets.
A faithful companion who will work hard to keep its master happy, the Great Danoodle makes a wonderful pet. With the ability to be trained to a high standard, those looking for an active dog to participate in a variety of doggy disciplines have come to the right place. These guys are not suitable for those that work long hours as they crave companionship.
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a versatile working dog and a gentle giant in the home. It is a calm and even-tempered dog, though it is slow to mature and can be difficult to train as a pup, traits that can test the patience of an ill-prepared owner. Fond of children and a natural protector, it lives for its family and is intensely loyal.
The Great Wiemar is a hybrid dog, which is a mix between the Great Dane and Weimaraner. This large to giant breed requires plenty of space and exercise. With a playful, exuberant character they are well-suited to family life with older children. They have a short coat that is easy to care for. Health concerns include bloat, hip dysplasia, and heart disease.
The Greek Harehound is a scent hound, who loves roaming free, with a history dating back to the ancient Greeks. A gentle spirit, loyal and loving, he makes for a great family dog, but he must have plenty of space to exercise. He also needs an experienced owner, or he’s apt to run rings around them – literally.
A Spitz breed that has been adapted over thousands of years to life in the Arctic, the Greenland Dog is a hardy and athletic workhorse, but also has some appeal as a pet. While not suited to a novice owner, those with the experience to handle the breed’s strong will and huge exercise requirements will be rewarded with a mild-mannered and loyal companion.
The Greyhound is a large, gentle, loyal dog which is extremely athletic. They are thought to have originated from the Middle East but have since been developed in Europe and in particular in Great Britain. They have minimal grooming requirements and can make good pets, although their sensitive nature can mean they are prone to suffering from separation anxiety.
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne scent hound is similar in appearance to the Bleu de Gascogne dog, but it is shorter and has longer fur. They are well-respected on the hunting field and can be worked with a variety of game. Affectionate and patient, they are an intelligent breed of dog that enjoys being outside and active.
Unlikely to be confused with any other breed, the Griffon Bruxellois has a self-assuredness and sense of importance that are quite out of proportion with its tiny size. Loving and affectionate, this breed is ideal for someone who can keep a dog by their side all day, but is not suitable for young children, as it can be intolerant of disturbance.
Friendly, gentle and patient, the Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is an affable, medium-sized dog. Their sociable natures make them great family pets for those who can also provide them with enough exercise. The Griffon Fauve was developed as a hunting dog in Brittany. Despite the passage of many centuries, they haven’t lost their love of following a good scent!
This rare scent hound that originates from France has a reputation for being a well-rounded hunting dog but a challenging pet. A breed that has its own mind, training a Griffon Nivernais can take a long time and a lot of patience. They can become destructive and troublesome if under stimulated, and need to be kept occupied and active to keep them content.
A long-haired, black-furred, medium-sized shepherding dog, the Groenendael dog is renowned for its personable nature, stamina and courage. Easily trainable, they are prized both by the owners who compete with them internationally, and the police force who employ them in large numbers. Supremely intelligent and highly athletic, they make fierce competitors within a huge variety of canine activities.