Dog Breeds – Knowing Dog Breeds Can Help With Choosing A Puppy

Understanding the basics about various dog breeds can help a potential dog owner get the breed of dog that will most closely match their lifestyle and living arrangements. The most common problem with owners not being able to keep their new dog or puppy is that they simply didn’t understand the characteristics of the breed. Doing some research on the breed is important before you take the dog or puppy home.

All breeds have general positive and negative traits, depending on the residence or lifestyles of the owners. For example, a large breed of dog rarely does well in a small living space if the owners are gone most of the time. On the opposite side of the spectrum is a small breed of dog that can do very well in an apartment or small house and will self-exercise during the day.

Considerations

Before deciding on a breed of dog ask yourself and your family the following questions:

• How much time do I have to spend with the dog or puppy?
• How often will the dog be left alone, and for how long?
• How big is the yard or exercise space?
• Is it fenced?
• Do I want the dog to be inside the house or outside? For how long?
• How much time do I have to walk or exercise the dog?
• Do I want a dog that is playful and friendly with everyone or one that is a good watchdog?
• Am I prepared to groom and maintain the dog’s coat on a daily, weekly or infrequent basis?
• What amount of time can I work with the dog for training and obedience?
• Will the dog be around small children?
• Are their other pets in the family?
• Do I want a purebred or a mixed breed?
• How much money am I prepared to spend on getting a dog or puppy as well as food, vet's bills and other expenses?

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There may be other questions that you or your family consider when choosing one of the many dog breeds available. Once you answer the questions you can start looking at dog breeds that match your criteria and lifestyle. While each dog, even within a breed, will be slightly different, the following generalizations can be made for most breeds within the category:

Toy Dogs
Including: Chihuahua, Pekingese, Japanese Chin, Papillon, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier

• Small dogs, great for apartments and less active families or individuals.
• May be very prone to barking.
• Need lots of attention and socialization; don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.
• Not generally good with small children without supervision.
• Serious health concerns may be a problem, so stick with reputable breeders.

Small Dogs
Including: Jack Russell Terrier, Corgi, Lhasa Apso, Beagle, Dachshund, Shetland Sheepdog

• Great for apartments and small yards.
• Terrier breeds are natural hunters and will need socialization to interact with other pets.
• Generally good with children provided they're supervised and children understand the dogs.
• Usually very obedient once trained.
• Easy to travel with.

Medium Dogs
Including: Spaniels, Border Collies, Bulldogs, Husky, Schnauzer, Whippet, Dalmatian

• Require daily exercise and love to run and play.
• May be effective watchdogs as well as companion dogs.
• Usually good with children and other pets if properly socialized.
• Enjoy being with people.
• Most require some coat care and maintenance, especially if outdoors and active.
• Very people friendly dogs in general.

Large Dogs
Including: German Shepherd, Akita, Boxers, Retrievers, Chows, Great Danes, Pyreness, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweiler

• Require a large area for exercise.
• Need space and attention.
• Require training and obedience.
• Generally very loving and gentle if socialized properly.
• Often get along very well with children and other pets if socialized from an early age.