England is one of the most historic and ancient countries in the modern world. They’re known for London tea, fish & chips, the Big Ben and of course, The Beatles. But did you know England is also home to some of the world’s most unique and popular English dog breeds as well?
Although the first domesticated dog is believed to have been in 10,000 BC (originating in China), England is not far behind in this practice. In fact, the oldest (recorded) English dog is the Star Carr Yorkshire, who lived in England during 7538 BC.
England has a long and colorful history of breeding dogs. It’s why so many of the most well-known dogs today actually originated out of, or was derived from an English dog breed. That being said, let’s examine 28 popular and unique dog breeds from England.
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English Retriever Dogs
Retriever dogs have a simple yet necessary job. That is, they retrieve the hunter’s shot game from the wetlands and marshes. In many cases, a hunter cannot easily get to the game without a boat. So, the following dogs’ job was born.
In the past, hunting was a big sport in England (and still a year-round sport today). As a result, some of the most popular dog breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, were born out of necessity.
English dog breeds that were purposely-bred for retrieving include just three dogs: the Golden Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever and the Curly-Coated Retriever.
1. Golden Retriever
Highlights: Friendly, Loyal, Smart
The Golden Retriever is a wonderful family dog that’s the second most popular dog breed in the USA. But, they actually originated from England. During the hay day of hunting in England, hunters needed a tireless worker that’s high energy and a superb swimmer.
Fortunately, the Golden Retriever fit the bill. They’re a muscular dogs with a lean frame. They have a powerful set of legs to keep them afloat and paddling through the murky waters. And of course, they sport the signature golden coat.
This iconic English dog was developed by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth. He first set his sights on breeding an effective gun dog capable of navigating the terrain of his highland estate. And through many iterations, the Golden Retriever was born.
Often described as the happiest dog in the world, the Golden Retriever is a friendly and kind companion that’s highly adaptable and loving. There’s not a single aggressive bone in these dogs, as they tend to greet everyone with smiles and kisses.
- Golden Retrievers were developed by crossbreeding a yellow retriever with the Tweed Water Spaniel, Irish Setter and Bloodhound.
- The Golden Retriever matures slower than other dogs, which explains their playfulness well into adulthood.
- As retriever dogs, they’re known for their soft mouths. They’re able to retrieve ducks without damaging the animal.
2. Flat-Coated Retriever
Highlights: Cheerful, Positive, Good-natured
The Flat-Coated Retriever has the ability to retrieve on both land and water, making them a special dual purpose retrieving dog. And like the other English retrievers, this dog is always bursting with energy and excitement.
These dogs were bred in the mid 1800s and shortly after, became Britain’s most popular retrieving dog due to their top skills. In fact, they were nicknamed the “gamekeeper’s dog” since they were so common in the English hunting community!
Though hard workers with a strong work ethic, Flat Coats know how to slow down and enjoy their time with the humans. They may work long hours, but come back with their cheerful and optimistic attitude often seen in these dogs.
The Flat-Coated loves to play with others. So much so, that owners describe them as “forever young” dogs. But the fact is, they mature slowly and are always wagging their tails and giving kisses. Plus, they play well with kids and other dogs.
- The Flat-Coated Retriever was bred using the famous Labrador Retriever.
- During the two world wars, the Golden and Labrador Retriever almost completely replaced the Flat-Coated and put them into extinction.
- They were called the “gamekeeper’s dog” because they were so widely used on English estates for hunting and sport.
3. Curly-Coated Retriever
Highlights: Confident, Intelligent, Noble
As one of the oldest retriever dog, the Curly Coated Retriever is essentially a Golden Retriever with the coat of a Poodle. With their impressive swimming instincts, they’re one of the best water retrievers that England has to offer.
These English dogs tend to sport either a black or liver colored coat. And while the coat may look a bit odd, it’s meant to protect them in bad weather conditions and in freezing-cold lakes. They’re hefty dogs that are more durable than they look.
Curly-Coateds may look like hard working dogs – and they are. However, they have a gentle and a loving side to them too. In the home, these dogs are playful and fun-loving with the people they know, but can be aloof with strangers.
They can be as affectionate and endearing as the Labrador or Golden Retriever, but they’re often a little more independent. Even so, this doesn’t mean they’re difficult to train. In fact, they’re super smart dogs that respond well to obedience.
- The Curly-Coated Retriever is believed to be the oldest of all retriever-type dogs.
- These dogs likely descended from the English Water Spaniel, Retrieving Setter and the Irish Water Spaniel.
- Despite being curly-coated, these English dogs have straight hair on their faces.
English Gun Dogs
Gun dogs are much like retrievers. However, they do more than just retrieving. These type of gun dog breeds can also flush out game and point (or track) game. And just like with retriever dogs, England is home to some of the most famous gun dogs.
English dog breeds developed for hunting and pointing include: the English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, English Pointer and the Clumber Spaniel.
4. English Springer Spaniel
Highlights: Loving, Trainable, Fun-loving
The English Springer Spaniel is the embodiment of the spaniel-type spirit. They are full of energy, hard working and affectionate dogs. As such, they’re a balanced dog that knows how to play hard and work even harder.
These spaniel dogs were first developed many centuries ago when flushing and tracking game birds in the uplands was needed. In the beginning, they worked as generic helpers since hunters only had bows, nets and falcons to work with.
When guns were invented, Springer Spaniels continued the tradition of working alongside hunters. But they worked as eager gun dogs that helped flush out birds from their nests, so hunters could take them down. Needless to say, they were the best.
Today, the modern Springer is a tough and durable dog with an insatiable appetite for work. They tend to be people-oriented dogs that will take every opportunity to please their owners. Training will be no problem for these intelligent gun dogs.
- Springer Spaniels are named after their hunting technique, in which they would “spring” towards the game.
- American president George H.W. Bush had a Springer Spaniel named Millie.
- At one point, the Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel were classified as one breed.
5. English Cocker Spaniel
Highlights: Lively, Cheerful, Obedient
Like the cousin Springer, the English Cocker Spaniel was bred centuries ago from various dog breeds of Spain. They have earned the reputation as reliable hunting companions that could help with flushing, pointing, and retrieving. They do it all!
In the past, spaniels were divided into two types: land spaniels and water spaniels. Because this dog flushed smaller game, such as woodcocks, they were known as the “cocking spaniel.” And although they hunt all types of game today, the name was kept.
The Cocker Spaniel is slightly smaller than the springer, standing at 15 to 17 inches tall. They have a contoured head with big round eyes and long-hanging ears that engulfs their face. And while they may seem fragile, they’re sturdy and strong.
English Cocker Spaniels are balanced dogs that know when to turn on their energy and when to mellow out. On the field, Cockers are tireless workers that will go above and beyond to please their hunters. But in the home, they’ll shower their love.
- Historians believe the Cocker Spaniel came to America (New England) on the Mayflower in 1620.
- Weighing just 30 pounds, the Cocker Spaniel is the smallest dog in the sporting breed category.
- The Cocker Spaniel specialized in hunting woodcocks, which is how they got their names.
6. English Pointer
Highlights: Devoted, Balanced, Diligent
As you may have guessed from the name, the “point” of the English Pointer is to, well, point. That is, they will track down birds and point to them with their snout to signal to the hunter where the birds are. After locating the birds, hounds will chase them down.
These dogs aren’t new. They’ve been pointing for several centuries. And as the modernization of hunting occurred, Pointers evolved with them to be one of the top gun dogs in the world. What’s more, they are serviceable retrievers as well!
Developed in the past for the aristocrats of the sporting world, Pointers tend to carry themselves with a sense of nobility. They’re highly capable hunting dogs and they know it too. With their agility, speed and instincts, few birds can get past a Pointer.
However, these dogs aren’t all about work and hunting. When in the home, they’re even-tempered dogs that are amiable, kind and affectionate. They’re loyal to their pack and enjoy playing with the owners just as much as a good hunt.
- Pointers get their name from their unique way of tracking game. When spotted, they’ll use their snouts to point in the direction.
- Despite being an English dog breed, Pointers actually originated from their cousins – the Spanish Pointer.
- Early paintings of Pointers can be found on 3,000 year old Egyptian tombs.
7. Clumber Spaniel
Highlights: Calm, Amusing, Chivalrous
The Clumber Spaniel is calm, docile and mellow. All of which, are traits you would least expect from a top gun dog. However, they are one of the best in the game. As for hunting companions, Clumbers were top choices among kings of England.
The history of the Clumber starts in the late 1700s in Nottinghamshire of England. The Duke spent a great deal of effort into breeding the ideal hunting companion for his estate, called the Clumber Park. This is where they earned their name.
Quickly, these spaniels became a favorite among bird hunters, especially with the British royals. And from there on, Clumber Spaniels had served as hunting companions for King Edward VII, George V and many other royals down the line.
Like most English dog breeds that were bred for the elite, the Clumber Spaniel retains a graceful, noble and proud attitude. But as their goofy appearance suggests, they are mischievous and playful when in the home. Plus, they can be stubborn too.
- The history of Clumber Spaniels is unclear. One theory suggests they were smuggled from France into England during the French Revolution.
- Their name comes from the English estate they frequently hunted in, called Clumber Park.
- Most historians believe the Clumber Spaniels are the result of crossbreeding the Basset Hound with the Alpine Spaniel.
English Herding Dogs
Herding became an essential part of farms with livestock in the rural regions of England. So, it made a lot of sense that some of the world’s best herding dogs originated from the country, including the renowned Border Collie.
Herding dog breeds developed in England include just 4 breeds: the Lancashire Heeler, Welsh Corgi, Border Collie, and the Old English Sheepdog.
8. Lancashire Heeler
Highlights: Loving, Active, Intelligent
The Lancashire Heeler may be a small dog, but they’re tenacious herders with a spirited attitude on the field. What makes the Lancashire unique is their versatility. Not only are they great cattle herders, but also top ratters and rabbit hunters.
These dogs pack a lot of power into a fun-sized bite. They’re energetic workers, combined with their tireless work ethics and terrier instincts. And although they were prominent cattle herders, these dogs typically are companion dogs today.
There’s never a dull moment with the Lancashire Heeler. The high energy excitement is contagious and their eagerness to work and please is endearing. They love to play with their owners and won’t mind taking multiple walks a day.
Lancashires are also wicked smart. Combine this with their eagerness to learn and you have one of the most trainable dog breeds England has to offer. Daily obedience training is the best way to take care of their mental stimulation needs.
- The Lancashire was classified as an endangered breed in 2003 because of the decreasing number of dogs and small gene pool.
- These dogs can draw back their lips to smile like a human. We call this the “heeler smile.”
- Historians believed these dogs are the result of crossbreeding Welsh Corgis with Manchester Terriers.
9. Border Collie
Highlights: Smart, Active, Hard-working
Border Collies may be the most famous (and skilled) herding dogs in the world. And, why wouldn’t they be? These collies are clever and extremely intelligent dogs. In addition, they love to work and will often work for the sake of working.
The beginnings of the Border Collie can be traced back to the Roman Empire. When the empire fell, the vikings took their shot at invading Britain. They were often accompanied by small and agile spitz-type dogs that could herd and work.
It’s believed that these viking dogs were the original ancestors of the Border Collie. If you’ve ever seen a Border Collie in action, you’d probably notice the extreme focus and determination when they’re on the field. Plus, they don’t seem to get tired!
The Border Collie’s work ethic makes them the most trainable dogs in the world. In fact, they’re the most intelligent dog breed in terms of obedience and working IQ. However, they do require plenty of mental stimulation and exercise daily.
- The Border Collie is the smartest dog breed when it comes to obedience and work intelligence.
- A Border Collie named Chaser is regarded as the most intelligent dog. He can recognize 1,000 objects.
- Jumpy the Border Collie holds the world record for dog skateboarding, going 100 meters in just 20 seconds.
10. Old English Sheepdog
Highlights: Adaptable, Docile, Intelligent
Perhaps the most iconic dog breed from England, the Old English Sheepdogs have a reputation for being gentle, smart and agreeable. The long profuse double coat with shaggy fur over the head is the iconic and signature look with the OES.
The OES is technically an English dog. However, England cannot take all the credit for these dogs. In fact, historians believe that there may be some Russian or Scotch in these dogs. And while they may be called sheepdogs, they were actually herding or drover dogs.
For the most part, the OES is an easy-going and laid-back dog. They’re very affectionate dogs who get along well with all members of the family. Plus, the OES can also be very playful, often taking up to three years to fully mature.
But don’t be fooled by their goofy looks – these dogs are herding dogs, after all. In other words, they’ll be very energetic and active, demanding a decent amount of physical and mental exercises. They are also sneaky athletic and agile too.
- A nickname for the OES is the “bobtail,” despite having a tail.
- When the OES came to America, the dog was for the ultra-wealthy. In fact, 5 of the 10 richest American families owned one.
- Although they’re called “old,” they’re a relatively new breed. The OES was first developed in 1904.
11. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Highlights: Loving, Alert, Intelligent
Known for their long bodies, short legs and bright smiles, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis are some of the most popular dogs today. Though they’re technically from Wales, the tradition and reputation of these dogs in England is unparalleled.
Despite their short stature, Pembroke Corgis were actually bred for herding cattle. Because they are so low to the ground, they’re able to effectively dodge lethal kicks from agitated cattle. Given their pushy personalities, these dogs were made for the job.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis may look cute and cuddly, but they’re stubborn dogs that tend to go on the occasional independent streaks. But on the bright side, they’re extremely smart dogs that respond very well to obedience training.
The bark of the Corgi is something that is not to be underestimated. Combine this with their always alert nature and they make some of the finest watch dogs. However, make sure to include them in all family activities for them to thrive.
- According to ancient folklore, the Corgis were enchanted dogs that fairies rode into battle.
- The word “corgi” actually means “dwarf dog” in Welsh.
- The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was the original Corgi. They were first brought to Cardiganshire by the Celts tribe.
English Hounds
Hound dogs serve a very important role for hunters. Often equipped with an incredible nose, hounds will find and track game, thus saving the hunter many hours of locating game. And given how popular hunting was in England, hounds were crucial dogs to society.
The Bloodhound, Greyhound, Beagle, Whippet, and the Otterhound make up the hound group for dogs that were developed in England.
12. Bloodhound
Highlights: Loving, Independent, Curious
Historians know very little about the true origins of the Bloodhound. However, we do know that they are one of the oldest breeds, being traced back to around a thousands years ago. Back then, these dogs rode with prominent princes.
In the last few centuries, Bloodhounds have earned the reputation as the best people-tracking dogs. And even today, police departments and search & rescue groups deploy these dogs for all types of tracking and rescuing work. They’re simply the best.
Their ability to quickly track people down even with a cold trail is largely due to the Bloodhound’s sharp and incredible noses. That said, a Bloodhound is said to have roughly 230 million scent receptors at a given time – the most among all breeds.
But when the Bloodhound isn’t workin