Keen of expression and with a swash-buckling attitude, the Airedale Terrier is the largest of the many terrier breeds and is often referred to as the "King of Terriers." They are probably the most versatile of all terriers, having been bred to hunt, retrieve over land and water, as well as being used as a ratter, herder, police dog, guide dog for the blind, plus messenger dog and sentry during the First World War.

Originating from Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd are members of the Mastiff family. Unlike other herding breeds, their nomadic owners used them more for guarding and protection and they were made to live outdoors in the extremes of temperatures.

The Australian Cattle Dog was bred in the mid 1800's as a working dog that could easily adapt to the often inhospitable Australian environment. Everything about the breed today - temperament, coat, physical structure - reflects this original purpose.

The popular Beagle is a small, pack oriented hunting hound. Although their natural instinct is to hunt, they are highly adaptable and adjust happily to a suburban backyard, as long they have regular exercise to keep fit. As well as a change of scenery, scent and company - either human or another dog.

There are few dogs with a more playful nature than the Boxer. They are strong, boisterous, active and have a very positive personality. It is believed that the Boxer was developed in Germany to serve the multiple purposes of a guard, working and escort dog.

The Golden Retriever was developed through judicious crossbreeding of various gundogs on the estate of Lord Tweedmouth at Inverness Shire in Scotland. The purpose was to create a powerfully-built, agile hunting dog that could retrieve waterfowl under conditions of extreme wet and cold.

Known in Hungary as the Yellow Pointer, the Vizsla was the original companion sporting dog of the early warlords and landed aristocracy. Bred for hunting both fur and feather, and pointing and retrieving from both land and water, the Hungarian Vizsla is a gun dog of outstanding ability.

They are a distinguished looking dog of aristocratic appearance with a powerful build and graceful movement.

Coveted for their hunting prowess, the Irish Wolfhound was, by law, originally only permitted to be owned by kings, nobles and poets. He hunted wolves, wild boar and the gigantic Irish elk. As you might imagine, this necessitated great courage, size, strength and stamina - all qualities the Wolfhound has in great abundance. Today the Irish Wolfhound is primarily a much-loved pet and companion.

These Royal Dogs of China were considered sacred animals and, as such, were bred and carefully guarded in the Imperial Palace where only those within the royal circle were permitted to own one. Theft of a Pekingese was punishable by death.

Originated in Germany as a ratter and companion dog, the Miniature Pinscher in fun loving and has a high self-esteem. Also known as 'Min Pins' they may be one of out most underrated small dogs. The word 'pinsch' means to snatch or grab. Some still retain this instinct.