Breed guides · Dogs

Dog breeds in the UAE

The dogs we see most in UAE clinics, each written for this climate. What they cost to keep here, how they cope with a Gulf summer, whether they settle in a flat, and the health problems our vets treat most often in each one.

GroomingAny

MonthlyDaily

EnergyAny

Sleeps all dayNever stops

SheddingAny

Almost noneConstant

VocalAny

SilentTalks back

SociabilityAny

Prefers calmThrives in a crowd

HeatAny

StrugglesCopes well

Choose a breed above and these fill in with its scores, then the grid reorders to the breeds closest to it.

All breeds

Akita

Patient, experienced people who don't need a shadow, give other dogs a wide berth, and walk before sunrise and after dark all summer.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), an autoimmune skin disease (pemphigus), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and a twisted stomach (GDV).

Read the guide →

Alaskan Malamute

A home with air conditioning through the day, a brush several times a week, and exercise in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), eye trouble (PRA and cataracts) and, in adults, bloat (GDV).

Read the guide →

American Bulldog

Early risers who don't mind a little drool, with time to teach doorbell manners and a few rugs for slippery marble.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED), a damaged knee ligament, itchy skin (allergies), ear infections and heart disease (DCM).

Read the guide →

Australian Cattle Dog

Outdoorsy people who set a puzzle for that clever head each day, keep chase games away from small ankles, and end the game themselves.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED), gradual loss of sight (PRA), itchy skin (allergies) and deafness in one or both ears.

Read the guide →

Australian Shepherd

Active families with space outside, time for twenty minutes of training every day, and walks before sunrise and after dark from May to September.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), eye trouble (CEA and cataracts), repeated seizures (epilepsy) and a sensitivity to some medicines (MDR1).

Read the guide →

Basenji

Those who enjoy being outwitted, with child locks on the low cupboards and a lead clipped on every time the front door opens.

Seen most in clinic

A kidney disorder (Fanconi Syndrome), gradual loss of sight (PRA), poorly fitting hips (HD), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and seizures (epilepsy).

Read the guide →

Basset Hound

A calm home with company through the day, short walks in the cool hours, and a close eye on their weight.

Seen most in clinic

Ear infections, slipped discs (IVDD), poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED) and weight gain.

Read the guide →

Belgian Malinois

An experienced, active home with a job for them every day, and exercise in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED), gradual loss of sight (PRA) and repeated seizures (epilepsy).

Read the guide →

Bichon Frise

Flat living, with company through the day and a brush several times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, itchy skin, ears and bladder stones.

Read the guide →

Border Terrier

Keen walkers who don't mind an early alarm, have a patch of sand they can dig in, and keep a firm hold on the lead near cats.

Seen most in clinic

Cramping episodes (epileptoid cramping syndrome), slipping kneecaps (PL), poorly fitting hips (HD), dental disease and itchy skin (allergies).

Read the guide →

Boston Terrier

Flat living with air conditioning, and walks only in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Breathing problems (BOAS), slipping kneecaps (PL), eye trouble and heart murmurs.

Read the guide →

Boxer

Someone who laughs at the zoomies, plays every day and keeps hard games indoors all summer.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), heart disease (aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy), a twisted stomach (GDV), allergies and, from about age four, cancer.

Read the guide →

Brittany Spaniel

An active home that speaks softly, plays search games every day and never leaves them alone for long.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), a damaged knee ligament, seizures (epilepsy), itchy allergic skin and eye trouble (cataracts and PRA).

Read the guide →

Canaan Dog

A patient home that lets them warm to visitors in their own time, and gives them a sandpit to dig in.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), itchy skin (allergies), gradual loss of sight (PRA) and an underactive thyroid.

Read the guide →

Cavapoo

A flat with company through the day, and time to brush.

Seen most in clinic

Heart valve disease (MVD), slipping kneecaps (PL), ears and teeth.

Read the guide →

Chinese Crested

A home where someone is around most of the day, with a shady spot away from sunny windows and a toothbrush by the bowl.

Seen most in clinic

Dental trouble, skin infections, a hip condition (Legg-Calve-Perthes) and slipping kneecaps (PL).

Read the guide →

Chow Chow

Unhurried people who tell guests to ignore the dog, keep the air conditioning on all summer and rake out the undercoat two or three times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED), eyelids that roll inwards (entropion), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and itchy skin (allergies).

Read the guide →

Cockapoo

Active families with time to brush every day or two.

Seen most in clinic

Ear infections most of all, then slipping kneecaps (PL), eyes (PRA) and teeth.

Read the guide →

Coton de Tulear

Anyone happy to be followed from room to room, bathroom included, who will brush the coat every day and reward a sit as much as a back-leg dance.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), slipping kneecaps (PL), gradual loss of sight (PRA), itchy skin (allergies) and ear infections.

Read the guide →

Dachshund

A flat with steps to the sofa, and company through the day.

Seen most in clinic

Slipped discs (IVDD), then teeth and weight gain.

Read the guide →

Dalmatian

Runners who head out before sunrise, keep a full water bowl in every room, and won't leave them home alone all day.

Seen most in clinic

Bladder stones (urate stones), deafness from birth (congenital deafness), poorly fitting hips (HD), itchy skin (allergies) and an underactive thyroid.

Read the guide →

Doberman Pinscher

A devoted home with company through the day, training, and exercise in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Heart disease (DCM), neck and spine trouble (Wobbler syndrome), poorly fitting hips (HD) and a bleeding disorder (von Willebrand).

Read the guide →

English Bulldog

A calm home with air conditioning, and walks only in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Breathing problems (BOAS), skin-fold infections, eye trouble and poorly fitting hips (HD).

Read the guide →

Flat-Coated Retriever

A lively family home with a job to do, a swim where they are allowed, and walks in the cool hours only.

Seen most in clinic

Cancer (histiocytic sarcoma), poorly fitting hips (HD), slipping kneecaps (PL) and a twisted stomach (GDV).

Read the guide →

Goldendoodle

Families with someone home most of the day, a brush and comb that get used several times a week, and a towel by the door for the ears after every puddle.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED), ear infections, itchy skin (allergies), eye trouble (PRA and cataracts) and, from about seven years old, cancer.

Read the guide →

Havanese

Flat living, with someone home most of the day and a brush several times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, slipping kneecaps (PL), joints and eyes, then heart valve disease (MVD) from about four years old.

Read the guide →

Havapoo

Pet parents who are in more than out, happy to throw the toy before their shoes are off, teach a trick a week and brush to the skin every day or two.

Seen most in clinic

Slipping kneecaps (PL), dental disease, ear infections, itchy skin (allergies) and eye trouble (cataracts and PRA).

Read the guide →

Italian Greyhound

Gentle hands and a warm lap, with a ramp by every sofa, a jumper in July and a harness on every walk.

Seen most in clinic

Broken legs, dental disease, slipping kneecaps (PL) and gradual loss of sight (PRA).

Read the guide →

Jack Russell Terrier

An active home with a job for them, and real exercise in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Hip disease (Legg-Calvé-Perthes), slipping kneecaps (PL), a slipping lens in the eye and deafness.

Read the guide →

Japanese Chin

Flat living close to their people, with air conditioning and walks only in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Slipping kneecaps (PL), dental disease, heart murmurs, eye ulcers and breathing trouble.

Read the guide →

Labradoodle

A home with company through the day, and a brush to the skin several times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD, ED), ear infections and itchy allergic skin.

Read the guide →

Lhasa Apso

A flat suits them, and so does someone patient who will hear about every courier and brush them several times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Eye ulcers, dental disease, skin allergies, slipped discs (IVDD) and, from about age four, kidney disease.

Read the guide →

Maltese

Flat living, with company through the day and a gentle wipe round the eyes.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, slipping kneecaps (PL) and eyes, then heart valve disease (MVD) from middle age.

Read the guide →

Miniature Pinscher

Firm, kind people who close every gap in the railings, play a chase game every day and keep a covered bed indoors.

Seen most in clinic

Slipping kneecaps (PL), a hip condition (Legg-Calvé-Perthes), dental trouble, heart murmurs and an underactive thyroid.

Read the guide →

Miniature Schnauzer

A family home that won't mind barking at the door, with measured meals and regular trims.

Seen most in clinic

High blood fats (hyperlipidaemia), an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), urinary stones and, later, diabetes.

Read the guide →

Papillon

An indoor home with company, ten minutes of training a day, and walks in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Dental trouble, slipping kneecaps (PL), low blood sugar in puppies (hypoglycaemia) and gradual loss of sight (PRA).

Read the guide →

Pekingese

An indoor home with air conditioning, a brush every day, and short walks only in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Breathing trouble (BOAS), eye ulcers, slipping kneecaps (PL) and slipped discs (IVDD).

Read the guide →

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

An active home with walks in the cool hours, and a pet parent who keeps them lean.

Seen most in clinic

Slipped discs (IVDD), poorly fitting hips (HD), gradual loss of sight (PRA) and weight gain.

Read the guide →

Pomsky

An active home with air conditioning, company and walks before sunrise or after dark.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, slipping kneecaps (PL), a weak windpipe (tracheal collapse) and eye trouble.

Read the guide →

Portuguese Water Dog

A home with plenty of company, a safe place to swim, and a daily brush and a short clip for summer.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), gradual loss of sight (PRA), a hormone problem (Addison's disease) and dental trouble.

Read the guide →

Pug, a fawn adult lying on a villa lawn, pink bougainvillea on the cream wall behind

Pug

Flat living, with company all day and air conditioning through the summer.

Seen most in clinic

Breathing problems (BOAS), eyes, skin folds and weight.

Read the guide →

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Steady, consistent trainers with somewhere safe for a sprint, guests who come in without fuss, and a knee for a big dog to lean on.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED), a small tube in the skin along the spine (dermoid sinus), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and, in their prime, bloat (GDV).

Read the guide →

Rottweiler

A devoted home with time for training, company through the day, and walks only in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips and elbows (HD and ED), bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and heart disease (SAS and DCM).

Read the guide →

Rough Collie

Quiet voices, a family who stay close, and a brush right down to the skin every day.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), inherited eye disease (CEA), a skin and muscle condition (dermatomyositis) and a sensitivity to some medicines (MDR1).

Read the guide →

Samoyed

A home that is rarely empty, with air conditioning and walks before sunrise.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), gradual loss of sight (PRA), an underactive thyroid and diabetes.

Read the guide →

Scottish Terrier

People who love an independent streak, happy to brush the coat every day and keep the lead on wherever there are cats.

Seen most in clinic

Bladder cancer, an inherited bleeding disorder (Von Willebrand's disease), an underactive thyroid, allergies and slipping kneecaps (PL).

Read the guide →

Shar Pei

Calm, patient people who like being chosen rather than fawned over, with time every evening to wipe and dry the folds, and a cool room all summer.

Seen most in clinic

Eyelids that roll inwards (entropion), skin-fold infections, ear infections, bouts of fever with swollen ankles (Shar Pei fever) and kidney disease (amyloidosis).

Read the guide →

Shiba Inu

A patient pet parent, a cool flat, and doors and gates kept shut.

Seen most in clinic

Itchy allergic skin, poorly fitting hips (HD), slipping kneecaps (PL) and gradual loss of sight (PRA).

Read the guide →

Shih-Poo

Flat living, with walks in the cool hours and a brush several times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Tooth and gum trouble, eye trouble (cherry eye, dry eye), slipping kneecaps (PL) and itchy allergic skin.

Read the guide →

Springer Spaniel

An active home with company through the day, a job for their nose, and walks in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), gradual loss of sight (PRA), ear infections and itchy skin (allergies).

Read the guide →

Standard Poodle

A home with company, a job to do, and a brush through the curls several times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), gradual loss of sight (PRA), a hormone problem (Addison's disease) and skin trouble.

Read the guide →

Standard Schnauzer

Hands-on people who train a little most days, beat them to the door when the bell goes, and wipe a dripping beard after every drink.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), an inherited bleeding disorder (Von Willebrand's disease), eye trouble and itchy skin (allergies).

Read the guide →

Teacup Chihuahua

Gentle households where visitors sit on the floor to say hello, small meals come on time, and someone carries them down the stairs.

Seen most in clinic

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus), a soft spot on the skull (molera), crowded teeth, a heart defect from birth (PDA) and fragile bones.

Read the guide →

Teacup Poodle

Soft-spoken people who teach a new trick two minutes at a time, keep a covered bed for noisy days, and are happy to lift a small dog down from the sofa.

Seen most in clinic

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), crowded teeth, a weak windpipe (tracheal collapse), slipping kneecaps (PL), fragile bones and, in some, fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus).

Read the guide →

Teacup Yorkie

Homes that put a step by every sofa, keep small meals coming on time, and scoop them up whenever a cat or a big dog comes close.

Seen most in clinic

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), a liver shunt (PSS), crowded teeth, a weak windpipe (tracheal collapse), slipping kneecaps (PL) and fragile bones.

Read the guide →

Toy Poodle

Homes with company through the day, a few minutes of tricks and a daily brush.

Seen most in clinic

Eyes (PRA), slipping kneecaps (PL), teeth and seizures (epilepsy).

Read the guide →

Vizsla

Cooks who don't mind a dog leaning on their legs, give one to two hours of running and nose work a day, and plan a midday visit on office days.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), repeated seizures (epilepsy), itchy skin (allergies), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and dental disease.

Read the guide →

Weimaraner

Shoe lovers who keep the best pairs upstairs, rarely leave them for a full working day, and serve two or three small meals with a quiet hour either side.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), bloat (GDV), painful bone inflammation in growing puppies (HOD), itchy skin (allergies) and dental disease.

Read the guide →

West Highland White Terrier

A lively home without cats, with regular grooming and walks in the cool hours.

Seen most in clinic

Itchy allergic skin, a hip joint that wears away (Legg-Calvé-Perthes), slipping kneecaps (PL) and teeth.

Read the guide →

Westiepoo

Patient teachers who give them a blanket of their own to dig into, comb right to the skin every day or two, and praise every quiet moment at the balcony door.

Seen most in clinic

Itchy skin (allergies), ear infections, slipping kneecaps (PL), dental disease, eye trouble (dry eye and cataracts) and, in some lines, lung or liver disease later in life.

Read the guide →

Yorkshire Terrier

Flat living, with a job as well as a lap, and a brush several times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, a weak windpipe (tracheal collapse), slipping kneecaps (PL) and low blood sugar.

Read the guide →

Labrador Retriever

Families who can keep them company, and keep a firm eye on the food bowl.

Seen most in clinic

Hip and elbow dysplasia, weight gain, and itchy skin and ears.

Read the guide →

Golden Retriever

Families with children, and time for the grooming that thick coat needs.

Seen most in clinic

Hip and elbow dysplasia, itchy skin and ears, and cancer from middle age.

Read the guide →

Saluki

A close household, and a safe, fully fenced place to sprint.

Seen most in clinic

Heart disease (DCM), gradual loss of sight (PRA) and an underactive thyroid.

Read the guide →

French Bulldog

Flat living, with company and a cool room all summer.

Seen most in clinic

Breathing problems (BOAS), slipped discs (IVDD), and skin and eye trouble.

Read the guide →

Maltipoo

First-time owners in a flat who want low shedding.

Seen most in clinic

Dental disease, early. Small mouths, crowded teeth.

Read the guide →

German Shepherd Dog

A home with a job for them, a steady routine and a calm front door.

Seen most in clinic

Hip and elbow dysplasia, back leg weakness (DM) and bloat.

Read the guide →

Shih Tzu

Flat living, with company and a brush every day.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, eye ulcers and breathing, with ear and skin trouble that can start young.

Read the guide →

Pomeranian

Flat living, with short bursts of play and a brush a few times a week.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, slipping kneecaps (PL) and a weak windpipe (tracheal collapse).

Read the guide →

Beagle

An active household with a genuinely secure garden.

Seen most in clinic

Obesity and ear infections, usually together.

Read the guide →

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Someone who is home for most of the day.

Seen most in clinic

Mitral valve disease. We listen for it from year one.

Read the guide →

Siberian Husky

Active homes with air conditioning, company and cool-hour exercise.

Seen most in clinic

Eyes (cataracts and PRA), hips, skin and an underactive thyroid.

Read the guide →

Chihuahua

Flat living, in a calm home where they can meet new people in their own time.

Seen most in clinic

Teeth, slipping kneecaps (PL), a weak windpipe (tracheal collapse) and low blood sugar.

Read the guide →

Cocker Spaniel

An active family who will keep the ears dry.

Seen most in clinic

Chronic ear infections. Swimming makes it worse, not better.

Read the guide →

Miniature Poodle

Homes with time to train, brush and clip them.

Seen most in clinic

Eyes (PRA), slipping kneecaps (PL), hormone problems and, later, teeth.

Read the guide →

Border Collie

Someone who will work their mind daily, indoors in summer.

Seen most in clinic

Anxiety and compulsive behaviour from under-stimulation.

Read the guide →

Greyhound

A peaceful home with a soft bed, slow walks in the cool hours, and a fenced space for the odd flat-out run.

Seen most in clinic

Bone cancer (osteosarcoma), a twisted stomach (GDV), an underactive thyroid and dental trouble.

Read the guide →

Whippet

A calm home, even a flat, with somewhere fenced to sprint and a blanket for the air conditioning.

Seen most in clinic

An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), gradual loss of sight (PRA), sensitive skin and an underactive thyroid.

Read the guide →

Pharaoh Hound

A playful home with a soft bed for long naps, and a person beside them in the garden, however high the wall.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), slipping kneecaps (PL), an underactive thyroid and gradual loss of sight (PRA).

Read the guide →

Borzoi

A calm, gentle home with room for a big dog, a brush two or three times a week, and summer walks before sunrise.

Seen most in clinic

Poorly fitting hips (HD), a heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), a twisted stomach (GDV) and an underactive thyroid.

Read the guide →

Desert dog in Dubai, a red ginger adult standing on the sand among desert shrubs at sunrise

Desert and mixed-breed dogs

A patient home ready to get to know the dog in front of them: every desert dog is a different mix.

Seen most in clinic

Parasites and infections when young, then teeth, weight, joints and itchy skin.

Read the guide →

Common questions

The ones you type at midnight.

Which dogs cope best with the UAE summer?

Breeds from hot regions with short coats and long muzzles do best, the Saluki above all. Short-nosed breeds struggle badly: a French Bulldog cannot cool itself the way a Labrador can, and heat stress is the reason we see them most.

Which dogs suit a Dubai apartment?

Size matters less than energy and noise. A Saluki rests most of the day and suits a flat better than a Border Collie a third of the weight. Ask how many hours the dog is alone before you ask how many square metres it has.

Do I have to register my dog in Dubai?

Yes. Dogs are microchipped and registered with the municipality and the licence renews every year. Rules and fees differ by emirate, so check the one you live in rather than the one you bought the dog in.

Which dogs are best if someone is allergic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Poodles and poodle crosses shed least, which helps, but the protein people react to is in saliva and skin as well as hair. Spend an hour with the breed before you commit to one.