BorrowMyDoggy Logo
A gorgeous large Bernese Mountain Dog staring softly at the camera

International Dog Breeds

7 August 2023

At the end of August every year there is one of the most impawtent days of the year - International Dog Day! This is a day when you can appreciate your pooch (owned or borrowed) more than normal, if that’s even possible. So in honour of all the wonderful international dog breeds, let’s go on a journey around the world of doggos…

Australia

Australian Cattle Dog

These gorgeous, hardy-working dogs, also known as Heelers, were developed in Australia to manage herds of cattle from as far back as the 1800s. They are now happy to be pets as long as they have a very active life!

Doggy member Irwin, the Australian Cattle Dog lying on the grass at the local park
Doggy member Irwin, the Australian Cattle Dog


Canada

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Most Tollers love a good swim, thanks to their 19th century heritage where they would retrieve ducks from the water in Canada. These happy pooches make a great addition to an active family, and are sure to make furiends with everyone they meet.

Doggy member Willow, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever smiling happily after a good run around in the local dog park
Doggy member Willow, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever


China

Shar Pei

These popular pooches hail from China, where they were developed as working dogs for jobs including hunting, herding and guarding. They are now perfectly happy to spend time with their family, and can be a loving breed for an experienced dog owner.

Doggy member Moose, the Shar Pei lying on their humans bed
Doggy member Moose, the Shar Pei


Congo

Basenji

Interesting traits of the Basenji include them being quite cat-like, including keeping themselves clean, and also being barkless, instead preferring to make a yodelling sound. The dogs we know now are traced back to the Congo basin, but there are some historical artefacts of images of Basenji-type dogs in Egypt in 3000BC!

Doggy member Spartacus, the Basenji sitting alert and looking to the left, watching something move in the distance
Doggy member Spartacus, the Basenji


Croatia

Dalmatian

No-one knows exactly where this Hollywoof famous breed originally comes from, but their first definitive home is the historical region of Dalmatia, modern day Croatia. Born white, these pooches then go on to develop their distinctive, and unique, spots.

Doggy member Apollo, the Dalmatian puppy sitting patiently in their outdoor pen waiting for a treat
Doggy member Apollo, the Dalmatian


Cuba

Havanese

Did you know that the national dog of Cuba is the Havanese? These cute pups were bred as companions for the Cuban aristocracy, and are now popular family pets with their kind and loving natures.

Doggy member Mabelle, the Havanese looking up happily after a lovely walk in the meadow
Doggy member Mabelle, the Havanese


England

Old English Sheepdog

Often also referred to as “Dulux” dogs, due to the brand’s usage of this stunning breed for over 60 years, before they were looking gorgeous on the small screen, this breed was developed for herding. These pooches can make loving family pets, as long as they can be kept active and mentally exercised!

Doggy member Manny, the Old English Sheepdog sitting happily in the field on an afternoon walk
Doggy member Manny, the Old English Sheepdog


France

Papillon

These dashing doggos are named after the French word for butterfly, due to their distinctive shaped ears thought to look a bit like a butterfly’s wings. Now popular pets, they were much-loved by European nobility and can be seen depicted on the laps of French aristocracy in Renaissance paintings as far back as the 13th century.

Doggy member Moules Frites, the Papillon looking up with their gorgeous hazel coloured eyes whilst on a walk around town
Doggy member Moules Frites, the Papillon


Germany

German Shepherd Dog

Germany is responsible for a lot of popular dog breeds including Dachshunds, Schnauzers and Dobermans, but one of their most famous exports is the German Shepherd Dog. Originally bred for their shepherding abilities, GSDs now have important roles working for the police, the military and search and rescue to mention but a few. They can also make excellent pets for an active, experienced and committed owner.

Doggy member Sapphire, the German Shepherd Dog sitting happily in front of a field of bluebells
Doggy member Sapphire, the German Shepherd Dog


Hungary

Hungarian Vizsla

If you like your dog with buckets of enthusiasm and energy then a Vizsla might be for you. Due to the nomadic nature of the Magyar tribe who are thought to have first developed the Vizsla, as a companion and hunting dog, finding their exact place of origin can be a little tough. However, they are now the national dog of Hungary.

Doggy member Bruno, the Hungarian Vizsla wearing his jacket ready for a weekend hike!
Doggy member Bruno, the Hungarian Vizsla


Ireland

Irish Setter

These glamorous dogs, with hair colour to dye for, were developed in Ireland in the early 18th century to find birds for hunters. These pooches are now happy to be part of an active family that has time for adventures and the inevitable grooming afterwards!

Doggy member Hugo, the Irish Setter standing in the garden ready to play!
Doggy member Hugo, the Irish Setter


Italy

Italian Spinone

Although there is no agreement on the exact origin of the Italian Spinone, they can be traced back to the Piedmont area of Italy in the 15th century. One of the first gundogs, they are now more commonly seen as pets, and although their numbers dwindled in the 20th century, their popularity is now increasing!

Doggy member Alfra, the Italian Spinone lying on a sandy beach
Doggy member Alfra, the Italian Spinone


Japan

Shiba Inu

Shibas are one of the oldest and smallest Japanese spitz-like dogs, and the famous face of Dogecoin. Originally bred to flush out game, they are now more often pet dogs, with popularity all over the world. Although loving dogs, their independent and stubborn nature often means they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

Doggy member Yoshi, the Shiba Inu sitting with his head slightly tilted as he looks directly at the camera whilst on a walk on the moors
Doggy member Yoshi, the Shiba Inu


Madagascar

Coton de Tuléar

Coming from Madagascar, and the official Royal dog of the country, the cute, floofy Coton de Tuléar loves nothing more than cuddles with their BFF. They take their name from the city of Toliara (previously known as Tuléar), and the legend states that there was a ship which wrecked off the coast of Madagascar, no humans survived, but a pack of little white dogs did, swam to shore, and then bred to create the Coton de Tuléars we know today.

Doggy member Indie, the Coton de Tuléar sitting on their humans bed after a long morning nap
Doggy member Indie, the Coton de Tuléar


Malta

Maltese

These gorgeous pooches have a long history, and can even be seen in Roman and Egyptian artwork! They were bred as companions for royalty, and even if you’re not a King or Queen yourself, they’re still sure to enjoy your cuddles and playtime.

Doggy member Buddy, the Maltese sitting proudly wearing his checked bow tie
Doggy member Buddy, the Maltese


Scotland

Scottish Terrier

Scotland has blessed us with lots of fantastic dog breeds, including the distinctive Scottish Terrier. Scotties are full of character, and although loving, their independent and stubborn nature can bring training challenges! They were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms, and modern Scotties, in honour of their ancestors no doubt, will still happily chase squirrels up trees.

Doggy member Huxley, the Scottish Terrier puppy lying down in his car bed ready for his travels
Doggy member Huxley, the Scottish Terrier


Spain

Podenco Canario

Believed to have descended from ancient Egyptian dog breeds, the modern Podenco Canario comes more recently from the Spanish Canary Islands. Known as excellent jumpers (high fenced gardens are a must, then be sure to add another metre!) these intelligent and independent pups can make excellent pets for a patient and committed dog owner.

Doggy member Bella, the Podenco Canario waiting for a treat as she sits on her evening walkies
Doggy member Bella, the Podenco Canario


Switzerland

Bernese Mountain Dog

These handsome hounds originate from Switzerland, near the city of Berne. Going back even further, their ancestors were thought to have been brought to the country by the Romans over 2000 years ago! They are kind, loving dogs, and can make an excellent family pet if you have the time and the space.

Doggy member Barley, the Bernese Mountain Dog sitting happily on the stoney path next to a field of long grass
Doggy member Barley, the Bernese Mountain Dog


USA

Alaskan Malamute

Initially bred by the indigenous Mahlemut people to pull sleds in modern day Alaska, these gorgeous floof balls can cope well with freezing Arctic temperatures.  Often now seen around the world, these are not dogs for those who want a lazy time, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy!

Doggy member Ayra, the Alaskan Malamute sitting pretty in the garden
Doggy member Ayra, the Alaskan Malamute


Wales

Corgi

Both the Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis come from Wales, traditionally bred as herding dogs, with roots tracing back to the 10th century! Now much more likely to be pets, these confident, bright pooches were a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II.

Doggy member Hovis, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi sitting on a large stone on the moors staring out into the distance with a dramatic sky behind him
Doggy member Hovis, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi


Zimbabwe

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback originally comes from Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe and Zambia.  These powerful pups were bred as hunting and guarding dogs, and could track and hold a lion until their owner arrived. Now they are mostly pets who need lots of mental and physical exercise to be happy.

Doggy member Remi, the Rhodesian Ridgeback lying in the garden on freshly cut grass
Doggy member Remi, the Rhodesian Ridgeback


Breed Guides

Irish Dog Breeds

Japanese Dog Breeds

Rare Dog Breeds

Royal Dog Breeds

Scottish Dog Breeds

Welsh Dog Breeds

International Dog Breeds

Know someone who'd like this?

Hey there!

Want to hear about a different kind of dog care that both you and your dog will love?

Or perhaps you're a dog lover who can't have one of your own right now?

We have the pawfect solution: BorrowMyDoggy!

How it works
Side doge
Top 5 laziest dog breeds

Top 5 laziest dog breeds

Discover amusing facts about the laziest dogs. Uncover the breeds that are experts in relaxation and laid-back living with our top 5 laziest dog breeds!

Top 5 longest living dog breeds

Top 5 longest living dog breeds

Discover fascinating facts about the longest living dogs. Learn about the breeds known for their longevity and enjoy their company for years to come!

International Dog Breeds

International Dog Breeds

Are you ready to journey across the globe? Celebrate International Dog Day with us by taking a look at dog breeds from around the world!

Are dogs good for children?

Are dogs good for children?

Our kids love spending time with their fuzzy friends. But as much as they love them, the important question is, are dogs good for children?