Choosing The Right Dog Breed For You

So you are looking for the perfect companion for you and your family. What type of dog breeds will work best for you? Well this can depend on the lifestyle you wish to have with your dog, as well as the dogs personality.

 

The right breed does play an important role. You wouldn't buy a Great Dane for a lapdog or a Shih Tzu to hunt with. So make the right choice and do some research on the breed you are most interested in.

 

So how do you find puppies in your area? Newpaper classifieds often have a section listed for pets. Friends or family members may also know breeders in the area. You can also check out online pet classified websites such as petclassifieds.us.

Breed Classes

In reference to the American Kennel Club there are 7 main dog breed classes.

Sporting | Hounds | Working | Terrier | Toy | Non-sporting | Herding

 

Sporting Dog Breed

Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions with remarkable instincts in water, woods and enjoy field activities and hunting. They do require regular exercise and space to run and play.

Members of this group include: Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels

 

 

Hound Dog Breed

Also a hunting dog because of their acute sense of smell. They can demonstrate amazing stamina and can make a very distinct sound known as baying.

Members of this group include: Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles

 

 

Working Dog Breed

Working dogs are bred to perform jobs such as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. This class of dogs often show increased intelligence and in many cases are very large in size. Proper training and knowledge is important to own one of these dogs.

Members of this group include: Saint Bernard, Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane

 

 

Terrier Dog Breed

The terrier group have distinctive personality traits. Feisty, and energetic, these dogs can range from small to quite large. Often terriers have little tolerance for other animals and dogs. Their wired dog coats often require special grooming called stripping.

Members of this group include: Norfolk, Cairn, Airedale Terrier and Wheaten Terrier

 

 

Toy Dog Breed

Small in size, these dogs can be perfect pets for city dwellers or those who live in small spaces. Though they are tiny they can be loud with excessive barking. Great for taking with you on the go, toy dogs are often seen with their cute little heads poking out of specialty designed shoulder dog carriers. They make great lapdogs!

Members of this group include: Chihuahua, Maltese, Pug, and Poodle

 

 

Non-Sporting Dog Breed

This group of dogs vary in size, personality and appearances. Different coat types and color combinations make these dogs stand out.

Members of this group include: Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Chow Chow

 

 

Herding Dog Breed

This group, once classified as a working dog, have a unique ability to control the movement of other animals. Often moving animals much larger than themselves, these dogs have attained a great set of skills to herd. Herding dogs in family settings will often attempt to heard family members, especially children. They are very intelligent and respond to training very well.

Members of this group include: Border Collie, German Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog and Corgi

 

Personality Comes From More Than Just a Breed

There are also other factors that will determine the type of dog personality they will have.

• Where you purchase your dog - Breeders experience, reputation, parents of the puppy.
  

• Which puppy you choose out of the litter - Click for tips that will help you discover puppy personalities
  

• Puppy social behavior - How has the breeder interacted with the puppy, how you act.
  

• Puppy obedience training - What you do with the puppy when it arrives home, how you train, housebreak, commands.

 

Factors That Can Determine The Right Dog

What size of dog breed do you favor - Dogs range in size within the breed as well. Often females can be smaller.

Allergies and shedding - Some dogs shed less than others but in general all dogs including "hypoallergenic" dogs will shed to some degree. Remember dog allergies are reactions to dead dog skin cells, saliva or dander not the fur or hair on the dog. No dog is allergy free but some dogs are better for people with strong allergies such as:

• Bedlington Terrier

• Bichon Frise

• Chinese Crested

• Irish Water Spaniel

• Kerry Blue Terrier

• Maltese

• Poodles (Toy, Miniature or Standard)

• Portuguese Water Dog

• Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard or Giant)

• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

• Xoloitzcuintli

 

Temperament around children - Dogs tend to live between 10-13 years. Most couples starting off most likely will have kids within this time span. If you are planning children in your future or already have them, look to see what dogs react best with kids. Even though the list of dogs below react well with children, the way they are raised will ultimately depict their attitude towards kids:

• Australian Shepherd

• Beagle

• Bearded Collie

• Bernese Mountain Dog

• Bichon Frise

• Boston Terrier

• Boxer

• Cocker Spaniel

• English Bulldog

• Golden Retriever

• Labrador Retriever

• Norfolk Terrier

• Old English Sheepdog

• Poodle

• Pug

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Wheaten Terrier

• Whippet

 

Dog training & obedience - All dogs are capable of learning but some dogs learn faster and better than others. Here are some extremely intelligent, quick learning dogs.

• Labrador Retriever

• Australian Cattle Dog

• Belgian Malinois

• Belgian Sheepdog

• Belgian Tervuren

• Australian Shepherd

• Border Collie

 

Social interaction with other pets and dogs - Dogs like the terrier breed may be less friendly to other pets. This doesn't mean they are not capable of living with your cat. But if you do have a house full of animals and dogs then it is wise to research which breed will be comfortable around other animals.

 

Dog costs - Dogs may not be as expensive as having a child, but they still can cost you. Not only is price for the breed a factor but also the cost for high quality organic foods, toys, and supplies. Other costs which can be devastating is veterinarian care. If your best friend gets sick or injured the costs can be painfully high. A possible solution is pet insurance.

 

Pets attachment behavior - Some dogs are more comfortable in times of solitude where others may become depressed, have separation anxiety and cause damage to your home. No dog should be left alone for any extended period of time. If you are planning to be gone for long periods finding the right kennel or dog sitter will make life easier.

 

Dog Space requirements - Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Some dogs prefer outdoor versus indoor and other dogs may shiver at the site of going outside to use the bathroom on a cold night in January. Finding the right breed that can stand up in the environment you live in as well as the size of property they are able to roam is important to the dogs health and well being.

 

Health issues associated with breeds - Some breeds are prone to certain ailments more than others. Skin problems, back issues or eye trouble, breeds can have specific health concerns. Always ask your breeder for a history of health issues that pertain to the breed so that you can be prepared. Or contact you veterinarian.

 

The human factor - How much experience do you have with dogs? Are you prepared to take the time and energy to train them? The amount of work you put into the dogs obedience training and the healthy environment you create for your dog will help determine the dogs attitude and shape better behavior. It may not always be easy but the internet is full of free information and helpful suggestions to become the best pet owner you could be. Your dog will pay you back with love for all of your hard work.

 

20 Popular Dog Breeds

Here is a wonderful assortment of very popular dogs. All from different breed classes, shapes and sizes.

• Labrador Retrievers

• Golden Retrievers

• Yorkshire Terriers

• German Shepherd Dogs

• Beagles

• Dachshunds

• Boxers

• Poodles

• Shih Tzu

• Miniature Schnauzers

• Chihuahuas

• Pugs

• English Bulldogs

• Pomeranians

• Cocker Spaniels

• Rottweilers

• Boston Terriers

• Shetland Sheepdogs

• Maltese

• German Shorthaired Pointers

 

 

 

 

Puppy Training	Dog Training
How to train a puppy	Dog behavior
Puppy behavior	Dog health
Puppy house training	Dog food
Puppy socialization training	Dog obedience
Puppy leash training	Dog travel
Puppy obedience	Dog grooming
Puppy crate training	Dog breeds
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