Popular Dog Breeds

Dalmatian

Dalmatians (left) became immortalised by the film 101 Dalmatians. They are very hardy dogs and need a good 2 hours exercise per day, although Dalmatian puppies should not be over-exercised. They should also not be caged too often as they have weak bladders and need the garden frequently. Dalmatians are well known to have hearing problems and are prone to deafness, although breeding programmes have helped with this now. Average life span is 10-12 years.


Dachshund

As the name suggests, these dogs were originally bred to hunt badgers (Dach is the German for badger). They are great companions and bond well with their owners. Their elongated backs make them prone to spinal injuries so they should be discouraged from jumping downs from chairs and sofas. Being small Dachshunds need only 40 minutes exercise per day.

German Shepherd

Also known as an Alsatian, these dogs are used throughout the world as police and guard dogs. It is important to socialise your German Shepherd puppy as they can become unruly and unhappy. Puppies should not be over exercised although a fully grown German Shepherd needs 2 hours exercise per day. A well trained German Shepherd is a great companion, is very loyal and also highly intelligent. They will live happily alongside children as long as they are not over harassed. German Shepherds are renowned for hind leg problems so it's important for your vet to watch this. They can also have heart problems.

Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever

Both types of retriever have been a family favourite for many generations. They are placid and make excellent family pets. They can be greedy with food so it is important to give them a balanced diet at all times to prevent obesity. Retrievers can suffer from rear leg problems so you should make sure they don't climb stairs as a puppy as this can place an excess load on their limbs.

Cocker Spaniel

These gun dogs are agile and fast yet require only 40 minutes exercise per day. This makes them ideal pets for an owner who hasn't the time to exercise a Dalmatian or a German Shepherd. They are also very loyal and fun to be with and are prone to a mad five minutes every now and then. Their droopy ears can make them prone to ear infections and blindness is common in older age. Their coats should also be clipped 3-4 times per year to prevent matting.

Scottish Terrier

Scotties, as they are affectionately known , are quite able to hold their own against bigger dogs and other breeds. They need only 20 minutes exercise per day, making them ideal for working owners or families. As with many Terriers, you should guard against over feeding and deafness is also not uncommon. A specific disease called 'Scottie Cramp' can cause some dogs to have intermittent spasms in their limbs.

Protect your pedigree dog by purchasing dog insurance. It can be very important to buy dog insurance when your pet is young so that you don't have difficulty getting cover. Sometimes, pet insurance can be difficult to get once your dogt is older - especially if they are a pedigree and their breed has a record of congenital or hereditary problems. Dog insurance is available from 8 weeks' old so make sure you don't miss out.

Protect yourself from high vet bills and get the best healthcare for your dog. To get a quote click here. Our range of online dog insurance providers offers excellent value and includes household names such as Tesco, Liverpool Victoria, Argos, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Petplan, More Than, Direct Line, Helpucover.co.uk (formerly Pinnacle Pet Insurance), Halifax pet insurance, Petguard, PDSA, E&L and Homebase - and costs from just £4.50 per month for dogs and puppies.


Pet Health Insurance aims to give you as much information as possible about pet insurance and why you should have it for your pet. We have gathered together links to many of the top online pet insurers but we do not provide or endorse any particular product or make recommendations in any way. Please ensure that the pet insurance product that you purchase from any online provider meets your needs and that the provider is correctly regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).