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Germany is responsible for producing over 50 of the worlds most popular dog breeds. But do you know what these breeds are beyond the well-loved German Shepherd? When we say 'German dog breed', it's likely you'll think of the iconic German Shepherd, but did you know that over 50 dog breeds originated in Germany? The land of beer and fairytale-esque castles is currently ranked number three in the world for producing the highest number of dog breeds, which includes some of our all-time favourites. There are so many wonderful breeds to choose from, but we've done the impossible and picked just nine of our favourites. Keep reading to find out our top 9 German dog breeds, ranging from playful little terriers to big hunting dogs. German dog breeds Consistently scoring high on popular breed lists, people from all over the world have fallen in love with German dogs. Their popularity just keeps on growing and unsurprisingly, Germany now has one of the biggest dog export markets. 1. Dachshund The Dachshund's short legs and long body gives them an adorable appearance, but their disproportionate body was actually bred for a specific purpose. In German, their name literally translates to 'badger dog' and they were created to crawl into badger and rabbit dens. Today, this gorgeous German dog makes an excellent companion and watchdog - but because they're a hound you'll have to expect a bit of barking!

Black and tan dogs are truly stunning and their unique colouring has made them popular as show dogs and companions. At Purina, we think black and tan dog breeds are simply wonderful, that's why we've created this list of our top 9 favourites. Black and brown (or tan) is among one of the most striking colour combinations found in dogs. The two colours offer a stunning contrast which gives them a regal and smart appearance and once you see a dog of this hue, it's sure to make an impact. From elegant Dobermans to fearless Miniature Pinchers, we've created this list of black and tan dog breeds which are as wonderful in personality as they are in looks. 1. Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a strong and compelling black and tan dog that was originally bred to herd cattle to market. Due to their strength, they were also used to pull carts for butchers and farmers! Despite their often-fearsome reputation, this breed is very kind, loving and adores their people. Black and tan is the only hue you'll find this dog in and no other colour variations are currently accepted by The Kennel Club. 2. Doberman Perhaps one of the most iconic black and tan dog breeds on this list, the Doberman is a striking and elegant dog from Germany that has roots in guarding. Highly intelligent and very active, these dogs are extremely gentle and are always at their happiest when they're part of a family. Aside from stunning black and tan they can also be blue and tan, fawn and tan and red and tan.

Big fluffy dog breeds are made for cuddling. There's nothing more comforting than wrapping your arms around them and burying your fingers in their impressive coats, but these coats present an additional challenge - lots and lots of grooming! There's nothing better than a cuddle from a big, fluffy dog breed. Their wonderfully large size coupled with their oversized coats make them the perfect snuggle companions. But you'll need to make sure you have enough space in your home (and sofa) for one and plenty of time to dedicate to a regular grooming schedule! If you love pups which are larger than life and have plenty of coat to run your fingers through, these big fluffy dog breeds are sure to be just what you're looking for. You'll be delighted to know that most have the teddy bear personalities to match too and the biggest hearts you could wish for! 1. Pyrenees Mountain Dog This large and gentle dog breed has roots dating back as far as 3000 B. C. and was originally bred for guarding sheep and livestock. Unforgettable with their beautiful, big white coats, the Pyrenees Mountain Dog is an excellent guard dog with exceptional hearing that's capable of hearing you approach from a serious distance. They're known to be very vocal and will use their impressively loud bark to protect your home. But you'll need to ensure they're well socialised so they don't mistake visiting family or friends to be intruders.

Making the decision to grow your household by four paws is extremely exciting for all involved, but if you have children it can be difficult to find a suitable breed. We've created this guide to tell you all about the best dog breeds for families to help you to choose which best suits you. Dogs and kids can be a great match! Dogs encourage children to exercise and appreciate the outdoors, whilst also helping to develop the social skills of both dog and child alike. When thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the household, parents often worry about the specific dog breeds, as there are some which are a little less predisposed to tolerate the attentions of children. To help you ensure you find the best match for your family, we've created this guide to the best dog breeds for families. Keep reading for helpful advice and to learn which breeds are more predisposed to love family life. What characteristics makes a good family dog? First and foremost, it's generally less about the breed of your dog and more about their individual personality. If you're looking to share your home with both pup and child, your chosen dog should possess the following characteristics: • A calm and even temperament: your new dog should be calm and patient enough to be able to cope with the excitement of kids and eventually grow into a great friend for them. • An appropriate size: on average, very small dog breeds may be more excitable, and they could also be more fragile - as a parent you'll know that kids aren't always the gentlest. Large dog breeds on the other hand tend to be more docile, but they can run the risk of accidentally knocking small children over whilst playing. • Energy levels: this will largely depend on how active your family is. If you choose a high-energy dog, you'll need to make sure you have the time to take them for regular walks and playtime. Also, if you have young children who run around a lot, you shouldn't choose a low energy dog that may become frustrated by the constant excitement. It's not just about choosing the best dog breed for kids, but it's also about teaching your children to be kind to dogs, this will go a long way in ensuring you have a harmonious household. Best dog breeds for families Now you know about the characteristics that make a good family pet, it's time to look at dog breeds that generally have these traits. It's important to note that just because many owners have good experiences with these dog breeds and they are usually well-behaved around children, each dog is an individual, so there's always the risk that this won't be the case for every single dog.

If you or a loved one suffers from dog allergies it can be really frustrating. But did you know that there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that might not provoke your allergies? Keep reading to find out more. If yourself or a loved one has a dog allergy it can be really frustrating, and you may feel like you're missing out on all the unwavering love that a dog offers. For those unfortunate enough to have an allergy, you may have heard of hypoallergenic dog breeds. These dog breeds are commonly recommended because they don't shed hair or they produce less of a protein that causes allergic reactions in people. But is there really such a thing as a hypoallergenic dog? Keep reading to find out what actually causes allergic reactions to dogs and which breeds could be best for you. What are hypoallergenic dog breeds? Hypoallergenic dog breeds tend to come in two distinct varieties: the first is dogs with little or no hair, such as the hairless Chinese Crested, and the other is breeds that don't shed their coat, which will need to have their fur regularly trimmed or stripped. There is plenty of debate around what exactly causes dog allergies, and many people believe that the allergy lies within the hair, so dogs that don't shed won't cause allergic reactions. However, this is not the case as most people with dog allergies aren't actually allergic to the fur, it's usually either to dog dander - microscopic particles of skin that shed from all animals with fur or feathers - or a particular protein that is found in dander, saliva and urine of dogs. All dogs produce this protein, but hypoallergenic dog breeds produce less, meaning that they'll cause fewer allergic reactions. Despite claims, there is actually no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, so if you or a family member suffers from a dog allergy it's recommended that you spend time with your chosen breed first to discover if they will trigger any allergies. The following are hypoallergenic dog breeds that don't shed that may be suitable for people with allergies: 1. Bichon Frise This small, fun-loving pooch has curly white fur that keeps growing rather than shedding. Not only do they hardly ever drool, but their thick coat captures loose hair and dander, and this won't come out until the fur has been removed, so regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat. The Bichon Frise is highly adaptable to a range of situations, and if you live in an apartment these dogs can adapt relatively easily.

You may be more used to seeing dogs with fur, but did you know there's a wealth of dogs without the fluff too? Hairless dogs are adorable in their own right and offer perfect cuddles thanks to their soft skin and warm bodies. Find out more about hairless dog breeds, here. If you're looking for a unique pup that'll turn heads everywhere you go, a hairless dog breed may be just what you're after. Where these canines lack the typical fur that's commonly depicted on our four-legged friends, they're just as adorable or playful as their fluffy counterparts! In fact, hairless dogs are super silky, often very warm to the touch and are known to radiate warmth, so they make the most perfect snuggle companions! Keep reading to find out more about which hairless dog breeds are out there and the special requirements that come with caring for a pup without the fluff. Caring for hairless dog breeds Some owners may consider getting a hairless dog thinking that they require far less attention on the grooming front, but this is not always true. Where they do have a lot less fur to brush (if any), their skin still requires plenty of care. Interestingly, the skin of hairless dogs needs similar care to humans and will need regular baths to keep the skin clean and free of dirt, moisturising creams to prevent dryness and sun creams to prevent sunburn. Hairless dog breeds can even develop dog acne too! But don't put any creams recommended for human use on your dog as these may contain chemicals which will irritate their skin or they may be toxic. Speak to your veterinarian for advice on the best creams to use for your hairless dog. It's also important to note that dogs without hair are very sensitive to the cold and wet so you'll need to ensure that you get them a good wardrobe full of raincoats and dog coats to keep them warm and dry during walks. Now you know how to care for them, here's our round up of our top 5 hairless dog breeds: