Few groups of dogs generate as much debate, affection, fear and misunderstanding as the bull breeds. In Britain, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been a much-loved family dog for generations. The Bulldog has become something of a national symbol. French Bulldogs are now seen everywhere from city centres to country villages, while Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, Boxers and American Bulldogs all have their own devoted following.

PHOTO CREDIT: Katie Donnelly @ thedonsdogcompany.co.uk Once you’ve decided on the best breed to suit your lifestyle, the next challenge is finding a reputable breeder. It’s a phrase that gets used constantly on social media, “make sure you go to a reputable breeder” but very few people actually explain what that means in practical terms. And when you’re new to the world of dogs, it can feel overwhelming trying to separate genuine, ethical breeders from those who simply appea