Boarding Dog Breeds
Is your dog typical of the breed?
By Wayne Weir
Last updated May 2026
Cockapoo
Cockapoos are affectionate, intelligent, and low-shedding hybrid dogs - a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Known for their friendly and "clown-like" personality, they are highly trainable, energetic, and thrive on human companionship, making them excellent family pets. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety and require regular grooming. If you choose to board your pet with Loyal Companion Lodge, we promise that, but for extraordinary circumstances, your Cockapoo would not be left alone. There would always be someone at home with them.
We have great experience with boarding Cockapoos and they are amongst our most popular breed of dog that we board. Check out our Gallery Page.
We have one regular Cockapoo boarder in particular that has taught us the ‘hide the sock game’. She takes the sock and hides it upstairs somewhere and then follows us around while we look for it! It’s usually very well hidden. She’s so bright.
Key Temperament and Personality Traits
Affectionate & Social: Extremely friendly with people and other dogs, they are generally great with children.
High Intelligence: Easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, though they can be mischievous if bored.
Energetic & Playful: They are bouncy, lively dogs that require moderate to high levels of daily exercise, needing roughly 30 minutes twice daily.
Clingy: Often called "Velcro dogs," they form strong bonds with owners and suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Vocal: They can be prone to barking or alert-barking, acting as a noisy watchdog.
Physical Traits and Appearance
Coat Type: Generally low-shedding, with coats ranging from curly (like a Poodle) to wavy or straight (like a Spaniel).
Grooming Needs: High-maintenance grooming is required to prevent mats, necessitating regular brushing and occasional professional grooming.
Varied Size & Colour: Cockapoos come in various colours (black, gold, red, white) and sizes (teacup, toy, miniature, standard) depending on their parents.
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German Short Haired Pointer
The German Short Haired Pointer is an athletic, intelligent, and highly energetic hunting dog known for its versatility, loyalty, and affectionate nature. They are medium-to-large companions, typically weighing 45-70 lbs, that require intense daily exercise to satisfy their tireless work ethic. Ideal for active families, they are prone to separation anxiety and need consistent mental stimulation.
If you choose to board your German Short Haired Pointer with Loyal Companion Lodge, we promise that, but for extraordinary circumstances, your dog would not be left alone. There would always be someone at home with them.
From experience, we know that they are very affectionate dogs that love being with their owners and often seek to sit on laps, often earning the nickname "gentle soul" indoors, despite their high-speed energy outdoors! Our boarder Woody couldn't be more relaxed with us.
Check out our Gallery Page.
Dogs boarding at Loyal Companion Lodge have their exercise decided by their owner, which could be a 20-30 minute walk twice a day for smaller breeds, or a trip to a fully enclosed safe and secure private dog exercise area for larger breeds. We will accomodate your wishes.
We are experienced in boarding all types of dog and want them to have as near to a ‘home from home’ experience as possible.
Key Characteristics
Energy Level: Extremely high; they require significant daily running, hiking, or swimming.
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, intelligent, and eager to please.
Trainability: Quick learners, but need patient, consistent training to channel their hunting instincts.
Attachment: Highly people-oriented and prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Barking: Moderate; typically alert owners to strangers, but not excessive barkers.
Physical Traits
Coat: Short, thick, and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing.
Colours: Common colours include solid liver, liver and white, or liver roan/ticked.
Size: Males are 23–25 inches and females are 21–23 inches at the shoulder.
Appearance: Noble and athletic, with a, strong muzzle and powerful hindquarters.
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Maltese
The Maltese is a small, affectionate toy breed known for its pure white, silky coat and lively, gentle demeanour. Weighing only 4–7 lbs (2–3 kg) on average, these dogs are highly intelligent, playful, and prone to separation anxiety, making them affectionate companions that crave constant attention.
If you board your Maltese with Loyal Companion Lodge we promise that other than extraordinary circumstances they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them.
Key Characteristics of the Maltese Breed:
Temperament: Gentle, playful, and trusting with a "fearless" demeanour that often belies their tiny size. They are very affectionate and bond closely with their owners. Check out our Gallery Page.
Appearance: Known for a long, silky white coat that requires daily grooming to prevent matting. They have a "joyful" and "buoyant", flowing gait.
Apartment Living: Ideal for apartments due to their small size and relatively low, indoor exercise needs.
Behavioural Quirks: Can be vocal, making them good watchdogs, but they may need training to avoid excessive barking. They can be challenging to house-train and are prone to separation anxiety.
Hypoallergenic: They have hair rather than fur and shed very little, often making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
Origin & History
The breed has ancient roots, with links to the Phoenicians and Egypt, and they were famously favoured by Roman royalty. They were described by the Roman governor Publius as "frolicsome" in the 1st century.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small, muscular companion dogs known for their signature "bat ears," affectionate nature, and, for many, a playful, "clownish" personality. They are ideal apartment dwellers that require little exercise. They crave human interaction, often suffering from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
If you board your French Bulldog with Loyal Companion Lodge we promise that other than extraordinary circumstances they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them. Check out our Gallery Page.
Key Physical Characteristics
Appearance: Compact, muscular, and "stocky" build.
Head/Ears: Square-shaped, wrinkled head with large, erect "bat ears".
Size: Generally under 28 pounds (13 kg).
Coat: Short, smooth, and low-maintenance.
Colours: Common colours include brindle, fawn, white, and pied (white with patches).
Breathing/Sound: Due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature, they often snore or grunt.
Temperament and Behaviour
Affectionate & Clingy: They love being around people and often follow their owners everywhere. Check out our Gallery Page
Playful & Entertaining: Known for being energetic, funny, and enjoying games like tug-of-war.
Low Exercise Needs: Only require about 1 hour of exercise per day, often satisfied with short walks.
Stubborn: They are trainable, but can be difficult to housebreak and, at times, stubborn!
Quiet: They rarely bark without reason, making them good for apartments.
Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are affectionate, high-energy, and intelligent gun dogs known for their "merry" disposition, requiring substantial daily exercise and regular grooming. They are exceptional family companions—loyal and gentle with children—but possess a strong prey drive and need consistent training to manage their enthusiasm and prevent boredom-induced destruction.
If you board your Springer Spaniel with Loyal Companion Lodge we promise that other than extraordinary circumstances, they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them.
Key Personality & Temperament
Affectionate & People-Oriented: They thrive on companionship, often attaching closely to a primary owner while being friendly to strangers. Our experience with boarding Springer Spaniels is that they adore fuss and attention while they are with us.
High-Energy & Playful: Known as "hyperactive angels," they have immense stamina and require active, daily engagement.
Intelligent & Trainable: Their eagerness to please makes them highly trainable. They respond best to positive reinforcement.
"Merry" & Fun-Loving: They are happy-go-lucky, enthusiastic dogs that enjoy playing games like fetch.
Check out our Gallery Page.
Physical Traits
Size: Medium-sized and athletic, usually weighing 40–50 pounds (18–23 kg) and standing 19–20 inches tall.
Coat & Grooming: They have a medium-length double coat that requires brushing weekly to maintain health and prevent matting.
Varieties: There are two main types: working (field-bred) and show (bench-bred). Working types are often higher energy and have a stronger prey drive, while show types may be slightly calmer.
Colours: Commonly black and white, liver (brown) and white, or tri-colour.
Typical Behaviours & Needs
High Exercise Requirements: Need exercise daily.
High Prey Drive: As bird dogs, they may instinctually chase birds or other small animals.
Not a Kennel Dog: They do not do well in solitary confinement or sedentary lifestyles.
Sensitive Side: Despite their energy, they can be sensitive to loud voices. The loudest thing they’ll hear boarding with us is when the Post Lady delivers!
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, affectionate, and gentle working dogs known for their calm, patient nature and stunning tri-coloured coats. They are highly devoted to their families, excellent with children, and generally get along well with other pets. Though intelligent and eager to please, they are known to be slow to mature and can be stubborn.
Our experience of the breed is that they are bundles of fun and are just giant teddy bears once they get to know you!
Key Traits & Characteristics:
Temperament: Gentle, loving, and patient, making them excellent family pets.
Energy Level: Moderate; they enjoy outdoor activities like hiking but are generally calm inside the house.
Intelligence: High; they are trainable but can be sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement.
Socialization: Generally friendly, but can be slightly reserved around strangers.
Size: Large and sturdy; males typically weigh 80–115 lbs and females 70–95 lbs.
Shedding/Grooming: Heavy shedders, particularly when blowing their coats twice a year, requiring regular brushing.
Watchdog Abilities: They often bark to announce visitors but are generally not aggressive.
Check out our Gallery Page.
Common Behavioural Challenges:
Separation Anxiety: Because they are intensely loyal and social, they do not like being left alone for long periods. If you board your Bernese Mountain Dog with Loyal Companion Lodge we promise that other than extraordinary circumstances, they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them.
Stubbornness: They can have a stubborn streak, which is a common trait of the breed.
Slow Maturation: They often take longer to mature mentally, retaining their puppy-like energy longer than other breeds.
Care Needs:
Exercise: Need daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Space: Given their size, they prefer having enough space to live comfortably.
Beagle
Beagles are small-to-medium-sized hounds known for their friendly, curious, and "merry" personality. Originally bred for hunting, they are popular family pets with a high-energy, mischievous nature and exceptional scent-tracking abilities. They are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and vocal, often barking or baying when excited. Our last Beagle suffered from separation anxiety. If you board your Beagle with Loyal Companion Lodge, we promise that other than extraordinary circumstances, they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them.
Key Characteristics
Temperament: Happy-go-lucky, sociable, and even-tempered. They are great with children and other pets, though they may need supervision with small pets due to a high prey drive.
Appearance: They have long, floppy ears, a sturdy, muscular build, and a short, dense, weather-resistant coat.
Check out our Gallery Page.
Colours: Common colours include tri-color (black, tan, and white), red and white, lemon and white, and blue, white and tan.
Size: They come in two varieties: those under 13 inches at the shoulder and those 13-15 inches.
Weight: Generally 18-30 lbs (8-14 kg).
Behaviour and Care
Trainability: Intelligent but often stubborn, requiring patient training and motivation from treats.
Exercise Needs: High energy; they need regular exercise to prevent boredom-related behaviours like digging or excessive barking.
Scent-Driven: As hounds, they are highly motivated by scent, which means they can be "escape artists" and should be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area. Our back garden here at Loyal Companion Lodge is fully fenced in.
Vocalization: They are very vocal and likely to bark or howl.
Grooming: Very low maintenance; brushing once a week is usually sufficient.
Beagles are popular as both family companions and as detection dogs in "Beagle Brigades" due to their keen sense of smell. If you board your Beagle with Loyal Companion Lodge we promise that, other than extraordinary circumstances, they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are affectionate, gentle, and quiet dogs, renowned for being "45-mph couch potatoes" that prefer lounging over constant exercise! We love Greyhounds.
Originally bred for racing, these large, intelligent hounds are generally low-maintenance, affectionate with families, and have short, easy-to-groom coats. They are sensitive, intelligent, and thrive in calm environments. Our experience of the breed is that they are bundles of fun and are just lovable teddy bears once they get to know you!
If you board your Greyhound with Loyal Companion Lodge, we promise that other than extraordinary circumstances, they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them.
Key Characteristics
Temperament: Gentle, loving, and surprisingly lazy. Despite their athletic history, they are calm indoor companions who love long naps, often on their backs!
Exercise Need: Low to moderate. They are sprinters, not endurance runners, requiring only two 20–30 minute walks per day and occasional chances to sprint in a secure area.
Appearance: Tall and athletic with a slender build, deep chest, and long muzzle. Their coat is short, fine, and available in various colours like black, white, fawn, and brindle.
Size: Large dogs. Males weigh 27-40kg and stand 71-76cm tall; females are 26-34kg and 69-71cm tall.
Prey Drive: As a sight-hound breed, designed to hunt by speed, they often have a high prey drive, which may affect their suitability around cats or small, fast-moving pets.
Training & Sensitivity: They are sensitive souls, often needing patient, positive training and a gentle environment to thrive. They will get all the fuss and attention they want boarding with us!
Check out our Gallery Page.
What to Consider
Low Maintenance: They are light groomers and often described as low-shedding.
Temperature Sensitivity: Their lack of body fat means they feel the cold and often need coats or jumpers in colder climates.
Not Great Watchdogs: Their affectionate and gentle nature means they are generally not aggressive or suitable to be guard dogs.
Social Needs: They generally get along with other dogs and are often happy, quiet neighbours, rarely barking.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are tiny, loyal, and confident companion dogs known for their "big dog" personality in a small body. They are highly affectionate, often forming intense bonds with one person; yet they can be stubborn, vocal, and wary of strangers. They are ideal for apartment living due to their small size and low exercise needs.
We have lots of experience with this breed and loved our own short haired Chihuahua, Tinkerbell, for 16 years.
Key Physical Traits
Size: The world's smallest breed, typically weighing less than 10 pounds (< 4.5kg).
Coat: Two varieties: smooth (short) and long-coated, both requiring minimal grooming.
Head: Distinctive apple-shaped head with large, expressive eyes.
Lifespan: Long-lived, often living 14–20 years.
Personality & Behaviour
Affectionate & Loyal: They love to snuggle, burrow under blankets, and follow their owners everywhere.
"Big Dog" Attitude: Despite their size, they are feisty, alert, and can be protective or territorial, making them excellent watchdogs.
Intelligent & Stubborn: They are smart and can learn tricks but are notoriously difficult to house-train and can have a stubborn streak.
Separation Anxiety: Because they bond closely, they dislike being alone. If you board your Chihuahua with Loyal Companion Lodge, we promise that, other than extraordinary circumstances, they will never be left alone. There will always be someone with them.
Check out our Gallery Page
Care & Training Needs
Socialization: Early socialization is crucial to prevent them from becoming overly shy or aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.
Exercise: They only need about 30 minutes of daily activity.
Cold Sensitivity: They dislike cold weather and often need sweaters or blankets to stay warm.
Chihuahuas are ideal for people looking for a devoted companion to take everywhere, provided they are treated with respect and given consistent, loving training.