Popular English Dog Breeds and Their Origins
Many beloved dog breeds originated in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. Breeds such as Bulldogs, Beagles, and Golden Retrievers exemplify the diversity and charm of English dog breeds.
Historically, many English breeds were developed for specific working roles, including hunting, retrieving, and pest control. As a result, these breeds vary widely in size, appearance, and temperament. Some are highly active and athletic, while others are more relaxed and easygoing.
Here are 25 notable dog breeds with English roots:
01. Bulldog
The Bulldog’s origins date back to 13th-century England, where they were initially used in bull-baiting—a blood sport banned in the 1800s. Post-ban, Bulldogs were used for illegal dog fighting and later refined through breeding to create the modern, more docile version seen today.
- Group: Non-Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 14 to 15 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds (males); 40 pounds (females)
- Temperament: Friendly, docile, willful
- Energy Level: Low
- Coat: Smooth, fine; various colors
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
02. Beagle
Beagles have their roots in England, where they were used for hunting small game like rabbits. By the 1800s, they were selectively bred for their hunting ability and friendly demeanor. There are two size varieties of Beagles recognized today.
- Group: Hound (AKC)
- Height: Two sizes: up to 13 inches; 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: Two sizes: under 20 pounds; 20 to 30 pounds
- Temperament: Companionable, attentive, fearless
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Close, medium-length; colors include tricolor, red and white, lemon and white
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
03. Yorkshire Terrier
Originating in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire in the 1800s, the Yorkshire Terrier was used as a rodent exterminator before becoming a favored lapdog among the elite.
- Group: Toy (AKC)
- Height: 7 to 8 inches
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Temperament: Bright, affectionate, playful
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Silky; colors include black and tan, blue and tan
- Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
04. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Named after King Charles I and Charles II, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a history of being a beloved companion of British aristocrats. Modern Cavaliers are descendants of spaniels crossed with small Asian breeds, recreating the appearance of the original spaniels.
- Group: Toy (AKC)
- Height: 12 to 13 inches
- Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
- Temperament: Sociable, gentle, patient
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Medium-length, silky; feathering on legs, ears, chest, tail; colors include black and tan, tricolor
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
05. English Springer Spaniel
Originally used for flushing birds from cover, the English Springer Spaniel has been recognized since the early 20th century. The breed retains its exceptional hunting skills and is known for its cheerful and intelligent nature.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 20 inches (males); 19 inches (females)
- Weight: 50 pounds (males); 40 pounds (females)
- Temperament: Attentive, cheerful, intelligent
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Long with feathering; colors include black and white, liver and white
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
06. Bullmastiff
Developed in the 1800s to protect estates from poachers, the Bullmastiff is a mix of bulldogs and mastiffs. It was bred for its intimidating presence and loyalty, qualities that are still prominent in the breed today.
- Group: Working (AKC)
- Height: 25 to 27 inches (males); 24 to 26 inches (females)
- Weight: 110 to 130 pounds (males); 100 to 120 pounds (females)
- Temperament: Protective, alert, loyal
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Short, dense; colors include fawn, red, brindle
- Lifespan: 7 to 9 years
07. English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel was initially bred for hunting woodcock and is smaller than the Springer Spaniel. Its breed standard was formalized in the 19th century, and the breed is known for its friendly and cheerful disposition.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 16 to 17 inches (males); 15 to 16 inches (females)
- Weight: 28 to 34 pounds (males); 26 to 32 pounds (females)
- Temperament: Even-tempered, cheerful, friendly
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Silky, medium-length; feathering on ears, legs, chest
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
08. Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale originated in Northern England. This versatile breed was used for hunting game on land and water, and it remains intelligent and courageous.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 23 inches
- Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
- Temperament: Intelligent, confident, courageous
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Wiry, dense; tan with a black saddle
- Lifespan: 11 to 14 years
09. Whippet
The Whippet, developed in the 1800s by coal miners, is a smaller version of the Greyhound. Known for its speed and agility, the Whippet is a graceful, affectionate breed.
- Group: Hound (AKC)
- Height: 19 to 22 inches (males); 18 to 21 inches (females)
- Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
- Temperament: Gentle, friendly, affectionate
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Short, smooth; comes in various colors
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
10. Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers were bred in the 1800s by crossing Bulldogs with terriers for their fighting prowess. They have since become beloved for their playful and affectionate nature.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 21 to 22 inches
- Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
- Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, lively
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Short; colors include white, brindle, black and tan
- Lifespan: 12 to 13 years
11. Golden Retriever
Developed in the 1800s in Scotland, the Golden Retriever is known for its friendly, intelligent nature. Initially bred as a hunting retriever, it has become one of the most popular family pets in the U.S.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 21 to 24 inches
- Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
- Temperament: Intelligent, trustworthy, playful
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Medium length, golden
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
12. Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog was used historically to drive cattle and sheep. Known for its shaggy coat, it remains a loyal and affectionate family pet, though it requires regular grooming.
- Group: Herding (AKC)
- Height: 21 inches and up
- Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
- Temperament: Intelligent, sociable, loving
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Long, shaggy; gray and white or blue and white
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
13. Border Collie
The Border Collie, known for its intelligence and herding ability, was developed on the England-Scotland border. It is highly energetic and requires regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- Group: Herding (AKC)
- Height: 18 to 22 inches
- Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
- Temperament: Responsive, loyal, alert
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Medium double coat; various colors and patterns
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
14. Greyhound
While the Greyhound’s history dates back to ancient Egypt, it was in medieval England that it was refined into the speedy racing and hunting dog we know today. It is known for its gentle and affectionate nature.
- Group: Hound (AKC)
- Height: 27 to 30 inches
- Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
- Temperament: Intelligent, quiet, affectionate
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Short; comes in various colors
- Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
15. English Setter
The English Setter is a traditional hunting dog used for bird hunting. It has a distinctive “setting” posture when pointing out game and is known for its gentle and friendly nature.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 23 to 27 inches
- Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
- Temperament: Gentle, friendly, intelligent
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Long, silky; colors include white with various markings
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
16. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest of the Irish terrier breeds. Known for its versatility and courage, it was used for hunting and guarding. Today, it is cherished for its loyalty and alertness.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 18 to 20 inches
- Weight: 25 to 27 pounds
- Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, alert
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Wiry; red
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
17. Lakeland Terrier
Originating from the Lake District of England, the Lakeland Terrier was used to hunt foxes and other game. It is known for its lively and spirited personality.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 14.5 to 15.5 inches
- Weight: 15 to 17 pounds
- Temperament: Spirited, alert, intelligent
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Wiry; colors include black and tan, red
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
18. Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is a small terrier that was originally bred to catch rats and rabbits. It is known for its sleek appearance and energetic personality.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 15 to 16 inches
- Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
- Temperament: Alert, energetic, intelligent
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Short, smooth; black and tan
- Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
19. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is a small terrier breed from England that was used for hunting small game. It is known for its feisty and affectionate nature.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 9 to 10 inches
- Weight: 11 to 12 pounds
- Temperament: Affectionate, alert, feisty
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Wiry; red, grizzle and tan
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
20. Rat Terrier
Though not exclusively English, the Rat Terrier’s development involved British breeds. It was used for hunting and farm work, and it is known for its energetic and intelligent nature.
- Group: Not currently recognized by AKC
- Height: 10 to 18 inches
- Weight: 10 to 35 pounds
- Temperament: Energetic, intelligent, alert
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Short; various colors
- Lifespan: 12 to 18 years
21. Scottish Terrier
Often known simply as the “Scottie,” the Scottish Terrier was originally bred in Scotland but has strong historical ties to England. It is known for its distinctive appearance and confident personality.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 10 inches
- Weight: 18 to 22 pounds
- Temperament: Confident, loyal, independent
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Wiry; black, brindle, or white
- Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
22. Shetland Sheepdog
Though named for the Shetland Islands, the Shetland Sheepdog has a history of development that includes English breeding. It is known for its herding ability and intelligence.
- Group: Herding (AKC)
- Height: 13 to 16 inches
- Weight: 15 to 25 pounds
- Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, affectionate
- Energy Level: High
- Coat: Long, dense; colors include sable, black, blue merle
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
23. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel was developed in England for hunting and retrieving. It is known for its gentle and affectionate nature and is one of the oldest spaniel breeds.
- Group: Sporting (AKC)
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Weight: 55 to 85 pounds
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, calm
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Dense; white with orange or lemon markings
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
24. English Toy Spaniel
Also known as the King Charles Spaniel, this breed has a long history in England as a companion dog. It is known for its affectionate and gentle demeanor.
- Group: Toy (AKC)
- Height: 9 to 10 inches
- Weight: 8 to 14 pounds
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, playful
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Long, silky; colors include black and tan, ruby
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
25. Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier is a smaller version of the Bull Terrier, bred in England for the same traits of agility and strength, but in a compact size.
- Group: Terrier (AKC)
- Height: 10 to 14 inches
- Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
- Temperament: Spirited, affectionate, courageous
- Energy Level: Medium
- Coat: Short; colors include white, black, brindle
- Lifespan: 12 to 13 years
These English dog breeds each offer unique traits and personalities, reflecting their historical roles and the diverse needs of dog owners across the globe.
