Find a pet

Everyone loves Disney. The franchise has captivated the hearts of both young and old alike and their effervescent characters are as charming as they are courageous, so it goes without saying that Disney dog names are incredibly popular. Find out our favourites in our list! The world of Disney is full of magical stories that resonate with audiences across time. These tales that we cherish from childhood right up to our adult years provide us with heroes and heroines that inspire, funny and adorable sidekicks and of course, dastardly villains which have us rooting for the heroes even more. So, when it comes to our four-legged friends, it's only natural that many of us turn to Disney dog names to find the perfect moniker. We've got names that are inspired by some of the best Disney characters to date, so whether your pup's a little prince or princess or your furry sidekick that's always there to entertain, there's bound to be a name you'll love! Disney boy dog names Disney heroes are truly one of a kind. They're strong, funny and always ready to save the day - which may make you think of a certain furry friend in your life! These are our top Disney boy dog names:

If you don't have much time to spend hours each day walking your dog, then a laid-back dog breed could be for you. Keep reading to find out which breeds are more than happy to curl up and snooze on the sofa. There are some dogs who are constantly on the go every minute of the day and are always ready to jump into any adventure or activity with all four paws. But there are other calm dog breeds who after a daily walk, are quite happy to snuggle up and snooze on the sofa. If your schedule is far too busy for a high energy dog and you just want a buddy you can chill out with, then you might want to consider a quiet dog breed. Keep reading for our top five laid back dog breeds that you're more likely to trip over snoring, than find underneath your feet looking for games! Calm dog breeds Calm dog breeds are ideal if you have a busy schedule or if you live in an apartment and don't have lots of space for your pooch to run around. Where our top five calm and lazy dog breeds may not require as much exercise as high energy breeds, it's still important that they're regularly walked to stimulate their brains and to prevent any destructive behaviours forming. 1. Bassett Hound When they're not hot on a trail following a scent, this laid back dog breed is usually found lounging on the sofa, patiently awaiting their next snack. They're known for their gentle natures while inside the house, but are also always up for an adventure out on a walk, and love nothing more than to engage their natural instincts and sniff out a trail. Although the Basset Hound is a calm dog breed, it's important that they're regularly exercised and that their diet is monitored as they're prone to obesity. 2. Bullmastiff

Do you need a bit of inspiration to find the perfect name for your new charcoal puppy? We put together a list of the best dog monikers out there. Is there a new black dog in your life? If you've always wanted a charcoal pooch, the top thing on your list must be finding that perfect black dog name. Don't worry - it's out there and we'll help you find it. If you feel stuck and need a bit of inspiration for your new furry friend, we put together an easy guide to black dog names that will help you navigate this important decision. Onyx: an oldie, but goodie black dog name If you prefer to take the classic route to dog naming, Onyx is a name that has been around for a while, but for really good reasons. Short and easy to say, this is a black dog name inspired by a precious black stone. No wonder so many owners look into those precious puppy eyes and get convinced there's just no better name. Midnight: the ethereal black dog name A cool name that suits any charcoal pup, Midnight could be the one for your mysterious ball of fur. There is no better puppy to pull it off. And if they always try to keep you up at night for a late game of fetch, those dark looks have indeed found their name match.

Just as feeding your dog the right diet is vital to helping them to stay healthy and energetic, giving them the emotional nourishment they need is vital to helping them to stay happy! Introduction to dog types With over 200 registered dog breeds in the UK* and a whole host of other crossbreeds and types, choosing your perfect canine companion might seem a bit daunting at first. Different types of dogs have different needs. If you have a Terrier, for example, he will love digging, whereas a Scenthound would prefer to follow a trail to a hidden stash! A Livestock Protection dog may be happy on his own for long periods of time, but a Toy Dog needs lots more attention from you to feel content. So getting to know your dog's personality and behavioural needs is vital to keep them as happy as possible. Why are there so many different types of dogs? If you travel around the world and look at village dog populations, you will see far more similarities than differences. Left to its own devices, the domestic dog is pretty similar no matter what country they come from. They are medium-sized, smoothish-coated, of various shades of brown with tulip shaped ears and a tail with a white tip (for easy communication) that is often held over their back. They may be slightly smaller in hot climates and larger with more coat in cold climates but basically, they are all very similar. They live alongside the human population but do not have a relationship with them. By contrast, when you look at the types of dogs we live with today, there couldn't be a wider variety in terms of size, shape, coat-type and personality.

Adopting a new puppy or dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but what can you expect from the entire process? There are so many dogs in animal shelters all over the world looking for their forever homes, including both puppies and older dogs. These adorable dogs may have come to a rescue centre because they've had a rough start to life or their previous owners may no longer have been able to care for them. One thing's for sure though, rescue dogs just need someone who can offer them plenty of love and understanding. If you think you could offer a rescue dog or puppy a warm and happy home, keep reading and we'll answer all your questions, including how to adopt a dog and where to find a rescue centre. Should I adopt a dog or a puppy? Adopting a dog or puppy from a rescue centre can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only will you be supporting the work of a worthwhile charity, but you'll also be giving an unwanted pup a second chance. If you're thinking about adopting a dog, you'll need to decide whether you have time for a bouncy puppy or want to get a calmer, older dog instead. Puppies will demand a lot of devotion such as training, cleaning up, disciplining and will require plenty of attention to give them everything they need. Because of this, it's not a good idea to consider a puppy if you work long hours or if there won't be someone around during the day to care for them. On the other hand, if you adopt an older dog, they will already have an established routine, a degree of training and will generally just be more responsible. Finding a friend for life If you're unsure what kind of dog best suits your lifestyle, home and family, your local dog adoption centre can help with that. When you express an interest in rescuing a dog or puppy, the dog rescue will usually give you a questionnaire to fill out to better understand your current circumstances, then they'll be able to recommend a suitable dog for you. They're well versed in finding good matches for both people and pets, so you can rest assured that they can help in finding you a friend for life. Additionally, leading charities can offer you lifelong support, so if you ever have issues with your dog, most rescue centres will be willing to help. If your circumstances ever change, most will welcome their dogs back again too.

There's over 30 dog breeds that come from the United Kingdom, including some extremely famous breeds that may surprise you! Find out our top 11 British Dog Breeds including everything from Terriers to Spaniels. England is most widely known as the land of afternoon tea and Shakespeare, but did you know that it's also responsible for over 30 British dog breeds? These breeds include some of the most famous ones on the planet, including the Queen's favoured Corgis and the highly intelligent Border Collie. At Purina, we've picked out 11 of the top English dog breeds, including some which may surprise you! 1. Airedale Terrier Hailed as the 'king of terriers', the Airedale Terrier originated in Airedale in Yorkshire and is the largest terrier breed. Bred to catch otters and rats, this British dog breed is incredibly intelligent, making it excellent at agility and obedience competitions. Airedale Terriers also make perfect family dogs as they usually get on well with children and are known to possess a playful, puppy-like temperament even when they get older. 2. Clumber Spaniel The Clumber Spaniel originally got its name from the Duke of Newcastle, as it was named after his residence Clumber Park. They're the largest of all the Spaniel breeds and are known for their excellent hunting skills, and according to history they were once renowned throughout England for their success and were highly sought after by noblemen. This English dog breed is a great family pet because of their loyal and loving natures. They're also the ideal choice for first time dog owners due to their intelligence and willingness to be trained. 3. Beagles Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds throughout the world. With their, big, affectionate eyes and happy disposition, it's easy to see why this British dog breed has captured the hearts of so many households. But did you know that they're also fantastic working dogs? Their noses have around 220 million scent receptors (nearly as many as a Bloodhound), which makes them extremely good at picking up scents. Their superpowered nose paired with their friendly faces has earned them positions at airports working with security, as they can accurately sniff out any contraband, yet their cute looks make them less intimidating to those who are frightened of dogs. 4. Shetland Sheepdog Hailing from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, the Shetland Sheepdog was bred as a herding dog and to protect farmers' land against birds and other possible threats. Also known as Shelties, they're one of the smartest dog breeds and excel at obedience and agility competitions due to their eagerness to learn and high intelligence. Shelties also possess a strong herding instinct and have been known to try to herd squirrels and rabbits when out on their daily walks, and in some cases, they may even attempt to gently herd children.

China is a country enveloped in legend and magic, so it's hardly surprising that Chinese dog breeds encompass all of these characteristics and more. Keep reading to discover which breeds hail from the mythical land, some of which may surprise you! In China, dogs are thought to be symbols of prosperity and wealth and were originally bred for the purpose of guarding monasteries or offering companionship to monks. Due to their religious roots, a lot of Chinese dog breeds were considered sacred and most have no outside influence from dog breeds of other countries - which is one of the many reasons Chinese dogs have a completely unique appearance unlike any other. China is a mystical land adorned by imperial guardian lions which are thought to provide protection. Also known as Fu dogs - these 'dogs' are thought to have influenced many Chinese dog breeds and as such, many resemble downsized lions. From Lhasa Apsos and Chow Chows to rarer breeds, you may be surprised by some of the Chinese dogs that have made our list.

Where some may find them overwhelming due to their large size, giant dog breeds actually make perfect family pets. Discover 10 of our favourite big dog breeds. Tiny teacup pups aren't for everyone - while their teeny paws may delight some dog lovers, there are those out there looking for a little more dog to love. Giant dog breeds can be intimidating, and of course they'll require more upkeep and a lot more space than a Chihuahua or a Shih Tzu, but their large size makes them the best cuddle companions and when well socialised, they can become amazing family members. If you've got room in your home and on your sofa, a giant dog breed can be the perfect match for you. Keep reading for our top 10 big dog breeds. 1. English Mastiff Standing between 27-35 inches tall and weighing around 200-230 pounds, the English Mastiff is among the biggest dog breeds alive today - in both height and weight. Known throughout history for its fearsome beginnings, this breed is descended from ancient war dogs and now warms sofas around the world and makes a loving family member. When they're not snuggled up with their favourite humans, this giant dog breed is also used for security, police and military work thanks to their high intelligence. 2. Irish Wolfhound

Dogs and children can be the best of friends when raised together and can offer a number of benefits to each other, including everything from increased playtime to happier mindsets. Read on to find out more about the advantages of dogs and children growing up together. Most children love dogs. They're cute, cuddly, and oh-so-friendly. But did you know that growing up with a dog can actually benefit a child's physical and psychological development? Here are some of the many benefits of dogs being in children's lives. 1. Constant companionship Although childhood isn't always easy, having a pet provides constant companionship through the ups and downs. Dogs can be a great source of comfort for kids - even when they're coming to grips with difficult life lessons. Whenever kids feel sad, angry, or afraid, they can always turn to their pet. Petting and cuddling dogs has also been shown to relieve stress and help people relax. 2. A more active lifestyle Caring for a dog also encourages a more active lifestyle. Children with dogs exercise eleven minutes a day more than their non-dog owning peers. That might not sound like a lot, but over a week or month, it really adds up. Many dogs require daily walks or runs and plenty of play time. Those adorable puppy eyes they give you are sure to motivate you - even when you're not feeling up to it. Here are a few fun dog exercise ideas that will keep all the family moving. 3. Learning responsibility Having a pet is a great way to teach responsibility to kids. Making sure that the family dog has food and water gives children a first glimpse of accountability and obligation. Children also learn empathy and compassion by caring for their pet, while developing a higher level of self-esteem by taking care of their pet-owning responsibilities. 4. Health is wealth Studies have found that babies raised in close contact with a pet get sick less often in their first year of life, meaning fewer visits to the doctor's office. Exposure to pet dander and the microbes that pets carry into the home from the outdoors is suggested to improve babies' developing immune systems. Research has also found that children who grow up with dogs experience a reduced risk of allergies. 5. Learning unconditional love Kids are the center of attention in any family and they quickly learn that the world revolves around them. This is why it's important to expose them to concepts such as unconditional love or loyalty. What better teacher than our canine companions?

The perfect companion might be a small fluffy joy of a dog that can't wait for you to come home so you can cuddle together for the rest of the evening. If you're eager to welcome a small pup into the family, we've rounded up some of the most popular small dog breeds. If you've always wanted a nice little dog that draws smiles everywhere you go, this is your chance to get familiar with the cutest small companions ever. We've put together some of the best small dogs you could wish for. From tiny fluffy pooches to the ones ready to charm you with their bold looks and adventurous spirits, these small dog breeds are a delight to have in your life. The best small dogs 1. The cute Bichon Frise Imagine the perfect small dog breed and you'll probably come close to the Bichon Frise's baby-doll face, plush coat and always-happy personality. They are lively and love to learn new tricks, but the Bichon is equally happy all curled up on your lap in the evening. They love people so much that they'll make friends for life with any human that stops to pet their snow-white fluffy coat. And thanks to their cotton ball looks and sparkling big black eyes, there will be plenty of them, from family and friends to complete strangers. The downside of all this affection they show is that they need it back in return. Bichon Frise dogs don't like being by themselves and can go through bouts of separation anxiety if left home alone. If you can arrange for constant human presence, this is one of the cutest small dog breeds to welcome to the family.

If you have a dog in your home, you're certain to get some dog hair on your furniture. Their tendency to shed can be off-putting for neat freaks and those with allergies, but did you know there are a number of low shedding dog breeds? Dogs are notorious for getting their hair just about everywhere, and they also seem to be able to sense when clothes are clean, making a beeline for them. But this fur shedding means that some clean freaks and allergy suffers avoid getting a four-legged friend as they either can't stand all the loose hair around the house, or the fur itself causes an allergic reaction. If you're one of these people, you may have given up all hope of ever having a dog, but did you know there are lots of low shedding dogs? While completely non-shedding dogs are a myth as it's natural for all dogs to shed at least a little bit, there are certain dogs out there that do shed a lot less than others. Keep reading to discover our top 9 dogs that don't shed as much. 1. Miniature Schnauzer Originally bred to be a ratter, this loving breed is most famous for having a grumpy expression.