Breed & Species Guides

Not every pet is the same — find the right match

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Friendly, active, and great with families

Energy Level

High

Exercise Needs

1–2 hours daily

Grooming

Low

Shedding

High (seasonal)

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

10–12 years

Common Health Issues

Hip and elbow dysplasiaObesityEar infectionsProgressive retinal atrophy
Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Gentle, loyal, and eager to please

Energy Level

High

Exercise Needs

1–2 hours daily

Grooming

Moderate–High

Shedding

High

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

10–12 years

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasiaCancer (hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)Heart conditionsSkin allergies
German Shepherd

German Shepherd

Intelligent, versatile, and protective

Energy Level

High

Exercise Needs

2 hours daily

Grooming

Moderate–High

Shedding

High (year-round)

Good with Children

Good (with socialisation)

Lifespan

9–13 years

Common Health Issues

Hip and elbow dysplasiaDegenerative myelopathyBloat (GDV)Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
French Bulldog

French Bulldog

Playful, adaptable, and affectionate

Energy Level

Low–Moderate

Exercise Needs

30–45 min daily

Grooming

Low

Shedding

Low–Moderate

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

10–12 years

Common Health Issues

Brachycephalic airway syndromeSpinal disordersSkin fold infectionsHeart disease
Poodle (Standard)

Poodle (Standard)

Highly intelligent and hypoallergenic

Energy Level

Moderate–High

Exercise Needs

1 hour daily

Grooming

High (professional clipping)

Shedding

Very Low

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

12–15 years

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasiaEpilepsyAddison's diseaseProgressive retinal atrophy
Beagle

Beagle

Curious, merry, and nose-driven

Energy Level

High

Exercise Needs

1 hour+ daily

Grooming

Low

Shedding

Moderate

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

12–15 years

Common Health Issues

EpilepsyHypothyroidismEar infectionsObesityIntervertebral disc disease
Border Collie

Border Collie

The world's smartest dog — needs a job

Energy Level

Very High

Exercise Needs

2+ hours daily

Grooming

Moderate

Shedding

Moderate–High

Good with Children

Good (with training)

Lifespan

12–15 years

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasiaCollie eye anomalyEpilepsyProgressive retinal atrophy
Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky

Athletic, striking, and stubborn — a high-energy escape artist

Energy Level

Very High

Exercise Needs

2+ hours daily

Grooming

Moderate

Shedding

High (seasonal blowout)

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

12–14 years

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasiaEye conditions (cataracts, corneal dystrophy)Heat sensitivityThyroid issues
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Gentle, affectionate, and people-focused — a true lap dog

Energy Level

Moderate

Exercise Needs

30–60 min daily

Grooming

Moderate

Shedding

Moderate

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

9–14 years

Common Health Issues

Mitral valve disease (MVD)SyringomyeliaEar infectionsPatellar luxation
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Courageous, affectionate, and brilliant with children

Energy Level

High

Exercise Needs

1–1.5 hours daily

Grooming

Low

Shedding

Low–Moderate

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

12–14 years

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasiaPatellar luxationSkin allergiesL2HGA
Dachshund

Dachshund

Bold, curious, and full of personality — protect that long back

Energy Level

Moderate

Exercise Needs

30–60 min daily

Grooming

Low (smooth) / Moderate (long & wire)

Shedding

Low–Moderate

Good with Children

Good

Lifespan

12–16 years

Common Health Issues

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)Dental issuesObesityPatellar luxation
Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel

Gentle, cheerful, and eager to please — a sporting family pet

Energy Level

High

Exercise Needs

1 hour daily

Grooming

High (regular trimming)

Shedding

Moderate

Good with Children

Excellent

Lifespan

12–15 years

Common Health Issues

Ear infectionsProgressive retinal atrophyHip dysplasiaFamilial nephropathy
Mixed Breed

Mixed Breed

Unique — often healthier than purebreds

Energy Level

Varies

Exercise Needs

Varies — assess individually

Grooming

Varies

Shedding

Varies

Good with Children

Usually good (assess temperament)

Lifespan

10–18 years (hybrid vigour)

Common Health Issues

Generally fewer inherited conditionsAssess based on size and build

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