So you wish to own a dog. Looks pretty straightforward, right? You pick out the puppy, run your credit card and you are perfectly set up for a lifetime of walks and picture perfect memories. . .that’s until reality comes crashing down and what was once a cute ball of fur is now an eighty pound beast ruining your couch cushions and pilfering food from the table. This story could be yours unless you do your research when choosing a dog breed.
There are currently seven separate breed groups registered by the AKC. They are sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.
Sporting dogs consist of Retrievers, Spaniels and Pointers. Some of the more owned dogs from this group are the Golden Retriever, the German Shorthair Pointer and the Cocker Spaniel. breeds from this group tend to be active, fun and great family dogs, and great family pets due to their fun-loving personalities. They love playing in water and wooded grounds and they are easily trained. Most breeds from this group will need to be taken outside for a few hours daily to keep them happy and healthy. Possible exercises can be running, jogging, playing catch and retrieve or whichever other game that will keep them active.
Hound dogs are a very diverse lot because each dog has very separate personalities. Hounds consist of general breeds such as the Bloodhound, Basset Hound, Beagle, Dachshund and the Whippet. These breeds are persistent and strong willed, which helps them in their skill to hunt. The Bloodhound and Basset Hound can effortlessly follow scent trails, and the Dachshund will bravely follow vermin like badgers and foxes. These are all very vocal breeds, with a mannerism known as “baying”. It is a one of a kind noise that you may want to experience first before buying a dog from this group.
Working breeds are the guard dogs of the canine kingdom. Whether you decide on the Doberman Pinscher, Bullmastiff, or the Rottweiler, you are sure to get a dog that will protect it’s home turf. The more quiet Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain breeds can be taught to pull carts. Their nurturing personalities make them prone to “babysitting” kids by sticking close by to them and keeping close watch.
Terriers are commonly referred to as a “big dog in a small package”. They are excellent at hunting and killing vermin. They do not get along easily with other dogs or animals, so early socialization and consistent training are key.
Toy dogs, like the Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Pug are all extremely different in behavior and characteristics. They are bred to be companion or “lap” dogs. Due to their size, they are great for small rooms or city dwellings where space is limited, and they are simple to groom. Training is still important with these dogs, as with any others.
Non-Sporting dogs take the cake when it comes to diversity. This group includes the Dalmatian, Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, the Chow Chow and many more. While they may not be sporting, hunting or herding dogs, do not sell these dogs short. They still shine at many other things, including show ring performances, breed competitions and confirmation shows. A distinctive member of this group is the Poodle which was ranked the second most intelligent dog breed in the world (the most intelligent is the Border Collie).
Herding breeds are used on farms and ranches for their capability to move and keep stock. They are recognized for being smart and very effortless to train. Housing can be an issue. Some breeds are content with apartment living, like the Corgi. On the flip side, breeds like the Border Collie and the Sheepdog need constant work and always have to have a chore to do to remain happy, so make sure you do your research before choosing one of these breeds.
In the end, there is no such thing as a “bad” breed. All dogs are bred for a specific purpose, and it is your responsibility to choose the breed that best suits your daily life. Make sure you do individual examination on the breed you want and keep in mind that no two dogs – even of the same breed – are the same.
Author: Aubrey Moulton enjoys writing pet care
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