Certain breed types will have natural abilities and aptitudes for particular tasks and skills, And there is often more variation within a breed than there is between breeds.

But what are some of the natural abilities associated with different dog types?

Gun dogs are relatively easy to train and very sociable from all their time spent with their masters and following orders.

Hounds were used for following trails and have great stamina. Their acute sense of smell means that breeds such as beagles are often used as sniffer dogs – and are fond of a game of hide-and-seek with an object.

Pastoral dogs are used to following orders and like to be kept active.

Terriers were originally bred to control vermin and are often described as feisty and fearless. Tug-of-war is a favourite activity for these breeds.

Toy dogs were bred as lapdogs or pets. Over time this has made them fiercely loyal to their owners and they are often very good watchdogs.

Utility breeds are those dogs that were bred for a particular purpose, but it was classified as neither sporting nor working. For example, Dalmatians used to run in front of horse-drawn carriages to help clear a path and are classed as utility dogs.

Working dogs are often big powerful breeds that have been developed to guard livestock, rescue fishermen or pull sledges. They respond well to activities that relate to their original purpose.

It can be useful to bear these attributes in mind when training, but keep in mind, every dog is an individual