Introducing the Utility Breed Group

The Utility group consists of a variety of breeds with non-sporting origins, generally those whose jobs no longer exist or where the breed is no longer suitable for a particular type of work.  For example, did you know that our spotty friend, the Dalmatian, was bred for stamina to run alongside horse-drawn carriages as a status symbol but also to protect the horses from potential prey?

Know your Utility dogs?  Here's the official list of breeds within this group:

Wide ranging in size and shape from the silky Shih Tzu to the altogether larger proportions of the Japanese Akita, these breeds can make great family pets as well as guard dogs and companions, given the right amount of exercise and training to keep them healthy and happy. 

Your doggy food bill could be large or small depending on which Utility breed you choose but mostly you can expect to spend between £7 to £10 per week.  As always, it is best to consult your vet or breeder when

it comes to choosing the best quality nutrition for your dog.  Grooming needs will vary greatly too with the Mexican Hairless requiring no regular grooming at all to the Poodle who tends to be a little more high maintenance in the grooming department but doesn't shed making it perfect for those who are allergic to dog hair.  However, most of the breeds in the group benefit from regular visits to the dog groomer in order to keep their coats in tip top shape.

In terms of exercise, the Utility group mainly consists of higher energy breeds who like a good walk so anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour each day.  However, some smaller dogs such as the Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso may well be content with far less and don't mind living into smaller spaces as long as they have plenty of owner interaction.  Bulldogs and French Bulldogs usually benefit from slightly shorter walks of 20 minutes and too much running about in hot weather is best avoided as they tend to suffer from breathing issues due to their short noses. 

Generally speaking, the average lifespan of these breeds tends to be 10-14 years with some breeds such as the Lhasa been known to live up to 17 years so you can be guaranteed a companion for a fair few years.  With plenty of variety within the Utility group, from the fabulous British emblem of the endearing Bulldog to the hardy Schnauzer and happy go lucky Tibetan, these dogs all differ greatly in nature as well as characteristics but what they have in common are their playful, energetic and delightful temperaments.