In part one of this column, we looked at some popular dog breeds and their ideal jobs, meaning the things they are bred for and love to do, and how important it is for good dog owners to allow for these jobs in their daily lives. A great example of this is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which, history tells us, was once prescribed to the Queen of England to keep on her lap to treat a cold.

The Cavalier’s other job was to attract fleas and thereby spare their master’s the flea-transmitted bubonic plague. I’m glad we have good flea control treatments, so they don’t have to have this unpleasant job any more.

They are companion dogs and are most content when with their family, not liking to be left alone for long.

The Beagle, in contrast, is a working breed. A small scent hound used for tracking rabbits originally.

They have an incredible nose and a sharp focus which makes them ideal for detection work in airports and quarantine facilities.

They love a long walk, head down following a scent, and if their sharp brain is not put to good use, they can show unwanted destructive behaviours.

The Bulldogs, including French, American and British, were bred for aggression primarily, due to their work on farms rounding up cattle.

They are tough, tenacious and loyal breeds which were also used in bull baiting and fighting.

When these cruel sports become outlawed in the early 1800s the breeds were crossed with Pugs to create a smaller less aggressive version more like our modern Pitbull and Staffordshire breeds.

I can’t imagine many modern French Bulldogs wanting to take on a bull these days.

There is always the ‘nature verses nurture’ debate with dogs. How much of what they do is learnt behaviour and how much is genetically programmed from birth?

Learnt behaviours can be adapted with training but genetic traits are more of their personality and what interests and drives them.

A sheepdog will still herd sheep without any training at all, but with training will become a skilful and essential partner for the shepherd.

Training can modify or suppress genetic urges, but these urges are always there, which is why owners should pay attention when choosing a breed, considering their natural traits and making sure they can fit well into their family.

Most unwanted behaviours basically come down to a lack of appropriate exercise, so speak with your vet or trainer to find ways to combat this.

A dog’s job is important to them so the terrier will want to dig, the Labrador will want to retrieve, and the sheepdog will want to herd, and it is up to good owners to work these wants in to their daily life.

As for the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback, they love a good long hike but just remember to keep an eye out for those lions.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog, two cats and two guinea pigs. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda