Which Dog Breed is Right for Your Family?

Choosing the right dog for your family is a bigger decision than you may initially think. There are about 330 pure breeds and almost another 80 that were developed by breeders by mixing different combinations of pure breeds.

Some breeds were mixed in ways that kept the characteristics, yet caused the dogs to be larger or smaller than the original breed. With so many choices, you have to think of each dog breed as having specific characteristics, temperament, size, function and abilities.

Each dog within that breed will share some common elements. For example, some dogs who were hunting dogs in times past have been bred differently to reduce the hunting instinct and make the dog more suitable as the pet for a family whose only “hunting” is stopping at grocery store or fast food to bring home dinner.

Major categories of dog breeds include: toys, companions, guards, working, spaniels, terriers, sighthound, scent hounds, spitz and herding. This doesn’t include the famous “Heinz 57″ – or pound mutt, whose exact heritage is unknown.

Each of the breeds is known for its ability to perform certain jobs. Historically, all dogs were working dogs – helping with sheep herding, cattle tending, fetching game, guarding property or tracking escapees.

House pets were not common as they are today. Each dog breed still carries the genetic code for its original type of work. You need to know how that dog is genetically programmed before you bring him home.

The dog that’s naturally a watchdog won’t be the cuddly playmate for your small children. The greyhound, particularly the rescued greyhound, is gentle and quiet, but they must have plenty of outdoor time to run. As a dog that can gain speeds of up to 45 mph, the greyhound is not a dog for couch potatoes.

If you want a medium to large dog that will be easily trained and protective over your children, then choose a pastoral or herding dog like the Old English sheepdog, Collie or Welsh Corgi. The instincts they have for keeping sheep in the pasture adapt to keeping your children inside the backyard while keeping intruders outside.

When having a dog means a smaller pet that’s purely for amusement with little expectation, then look at the toy dog breed. Among this group, you find Chihuahua, Poodle, Manchester Terrier, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu and King Charles Spaniel. Don’t expect any work from this group. Toy dogs are masterful at finding ways for you to work for them.

The hunting breed has a proud tradition as the faithful companion and partner to hunters. These dogs include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, English Setter, Irish Setter and Cocker Spaniel. Even if you don’t hunt, give these dogs the kind of open field exercise that makes them feel useful in the way that’s part of their heritage.

Some breeds require space, while others need primping for show that rivals what you see among fashion models. Perhaps the easiest breed to bring home and love is the “pound mutt.” In all shapes and sizes, these dogs have endured hardships that landed them in the shelter, when all they want is a family to love. Bring one home and you’ll have a friend for life.

About the Author

For more fun articles on dogs, check out Keith’s dog website. At this site, you’ll find all kinds of information on dogs – mostly about dog training.

Breed All About It – Toy Group

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Large Bags Royal Canin Breed + Trixie Baggy Deluxe Free! – German Shepherd Adult (12 kg) $42.99 Please note This special offer is only available with purchase of this item 294697. The Trixie practical food bag is designed to also carry small toys and is the ideal accessory in any situation on walks on trips or while playing sport the high quality hard-wearing 100% polyester bag provides a clean place to store food and toys without getting trouser or jacket pockets dirty. Cleaning the bag with a good wipe-down is sufficient. The Baggy Deluxe in modern modest brown comes with an extra strong pull string making it easy to close. The enables you to grab rewards quickly and secretly. You can easily fix the snack bag anywhere on your clothes with the practical safety clip. Diameter 10 x 14 cm Note No dog snacks or treats are included in the delivery. Royal Canin Breed – appropriate nutrition not just food. Different dogs have different dietary needs. The nutritional concept of Royal Canin Health Nutrition and Royal Canin Breed dog food has been specifically adapted for the size age activity levels and life-style of each individual dog. Royal Canin dry dog food provides your dog with a complete balanced diet to help keep your dog fit and healthy for a long life. As a pioneer of dry dog food Royal Canin relies on intense research and the most modern production methods to create dog food of the highest quality. For further information regarding specific Royal Canin Breed flavours please click on one of the following links Royal Canin Breed German Shepherd Adult Royal Canin Breed Dachshund Adult Royal Canin Breed Golden Retriever Adult

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