Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds were originally bred by nomadic tribes in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers were originally developed in England, as hardworking farm dogs and skilled hunters.
Akita Inu
Akitas Inus were originally bred in the rugged mountains of northern Japan as powerful hunting dogs.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred in Alaska to help people survive in the harsh Arctic environment.
Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)
Belgian Sheepdogs, also known as Groenendaels, were developed in Belgium in the late 1800s as farm dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally developed in Switzerland as hardworking, all-purpose farm dogs.
Borzoi
Originally known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi was developed by Russian aristocrats to hunt fast-moving game.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are athletic, energetic dogs that were used for herding, guarding, retrieving, and controlling vermin.
Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherds were developed in the Netherlands during the 18th century as hardworking, all-purpose farm dogs.
English Setter
English Setters were originally bred more than 400 years ago to help hunters find upland game birds.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are often used as police and military dogs because they are loyal, brave, and have a strong sense of smell.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers were first bred in 19th-century Germany to be versatile all-round hunting dogs.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers were developed with the goal of creating the ideal hunting dog for the wet, rocky terrain of Scotland.
Greyhound
Greyhounds’ hunting ability dates back thousands of years, and they were highly valued by ancient pharaohs and nobility.
Hungarian Vizsla
Hungarian Vizslas were originally bred by Magyar noblemen and warriors to be versatile hunting companions.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters were originally bred in 18th-century Ireland as skilled hunting dogs with an excellent sense of smell.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever, often called a Labrador or simply a Lab, was first bred in Newfoundland to help fishermen and hunters.
Old English Sheepdog
Old English Sheepdogs were originally bred in England during the 1800s to help farmers manage and move livestock.
Poodle (Standard)
Standard Poodles retrieved waterfowl, and their distinctive “poodle clip” helped them swim while keeping them warm.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally bred in Southern Africa in the late 1800s to track large game, including lions.
Rottweiler
Originally bred by the Romans, Rottweilers herded livestock, pulled carts, guard camps, and protect travelling merchants.
Rough Collie
Rough Collies were originally bred to herd and protect sheep across the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
Weimaraner
Weimaraners were bred in Germany as skilled hunting dogs known for their speed, courage, and strong sense of smell.
White Swiss Shepherd
White Swiss Shepherds were developed in Switzerland during the 1970s using white-coated purebred German Shepherds.
Disclaimer: The size classifications provided for the breeds are based on the breed standards recognised by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA). These measurements and weight ranges are intended as general guidelines only. Individual dogs may vary in size depending on factors such as genetics, sex, nutrition, and overall health.
