Top 10 Popular English Dog Breeds

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Bulldog

Bulldogs originated in 13th-century England for bullbaiting. Later used for illegal dog fighting. Crossed with terriers, now bred with squatter appearance and flatter face.

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Beagle

Beagles descended from small hounds used by English hunters in the 1500s. Bred for hunting and friendly appearance. Larger variety for fox hunting in England, smaller for rabbit hunting in America.

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Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier originated in Yorkshire and Lancashire, 1800s. A mix of Scottish terriers, possibly Maltese. Initially used for ratting in mills and mines, later became favored lapdogs among the elite.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

17th-century: King Charles I & II liked black-and-tan spaniel. 19th-century: Crossed with Asian breeds, flatter face. 1920s: Re-created original version from portraits, created Cavalier.

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English Springer Spaniel

In England, "cocker" & "springer" spaniels born together. Springers larger, flushed game for hunters. 1800s: Breed standards developed, 1902: English springer spaniel recognized.

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Bullmastiff

In the 1800s, bullmastiff created to guard estates from poachers. Bulldog & mastiff mix, large, athletic, and loyal. Intimidating but trainable. Modern bullmastiffs remain cautious of strangers.

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English Cocker Spaniel

Early English cocker spaniels hunted woodcock. 19th century: Breed standard developed. Early 20th century: American breeders created smaller cocker spaniel with distinctive features.

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Airedale Terrier

Airedale terriers from Aire Valley, England. 1800s: Bred by workers for hunting. Mix of otterhound, terriers, setters, retrievers, and herders. Versatile, skilled with game on land and water.

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Whippet

In 1800s, English coal miners wanted hunting dogs but couldn't afford large ones. Bred smaller, swift whippets by crossing greyhounds with fast terriers.

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Bull Terrier

Bull terriers share ancestors with today's bulldogs. 1800s: Bulldogs crossed with terriers for fighting. Bull terrier emerged, used in illegal dog fights. Also became popular companion.

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