Tiny bodies with big hearts and attitudes. The toy dog breeds are very popular as companion pets. People that love to sit with there dog nestled on their laps prefer dogs from this group. They fit well in small apartments and travel well tucked under your arm or in a stylish carrier. They also tend to be a bit yippy and opinionated and always think they are much bigger than they are.
When well-cared for, they usually enjoy a longer lifespan than the larger breeds. Some popular dogs within this group include: Affenpinscher, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Toy Poodle.
Sporting Dog Breed Facts
Some of the most popular breeds. Usually very active, energetic, smart; they love to learn and are eager to please their owners. Happy and friendly dogs. Includes Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers which consistently rank #1 and #2 respectively as most popular dogs according to the American Kennel Club.
Some others in this group are Cocker Spaniel, Weimaraner, English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter.
Working Dog Breed Facts
Originally bred to work for and alongside their humans. Often used as guard dogs for people, property and livestock. Very intelligent and loyal. Usually possess great strength and size, though there are some smaller breeds within this group. Can make good family pets but require consistent training and socialization starting at an early age to harness their innate strength.
Great dog breeds within this group include: Boxer, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Rottweiler, Akita.
Terrier Dog Breed Facts
These dog breeds were originally intended as a hunter and killer of rodents. They are quick and agile. They tend to be bold, outspoken and tenacious with vibrant personalities. Although their size varies within the breeds, they all see a Great Dane as their reflection when they look in a mirror.
Usually friendly by nature but they can sometimes be nippy. Jack Russel, West Highland White Terrier and Schnauzer are some of the dog breeds within this group.
Hound Dog Breed Facts
Hound dog breeds are best known as hunting dogs.
Some hunt by sight and some by scent but both tend to be stubborn and single minded.
Dog breeds within this group include Afghan Hound, Basset Hound, Bloodhound and Dachshund.
Herding Dog Breed Facts
Originally bred to herd livestock, these dog breeds tend to be medium to large in size (with some exceptions) with heavy thick coats to protect against the elements. Some can be a bit high strung due to their constant thinking nature. They are energetic and are very loyal within a family situation. They often try to herd the children and other pets in their family. Examples of dog breeds within this group are German Shepherd, Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Old English Sheepdog, Australian Sheepdog and Corgi.
Non-Sporting Dog Breed Facts
Within this group are a potpourri of dog breeds that don’t fit into any of the other categories. These include Boston Terrier, Lhasa Apsa, Dalmatian, Bulldog, Shar-pei.
Designer Dog Breed Facts
This group is not actually recognized by the AKC but they are here none- the- less and deserve mention. In some ways they probably fit into the category of mutt since they are a mixed breed and combine the characteristics of their combined parentage. Some dogs within this group are Labradoodle, Goldendoodle and Puggle.
Finding the right dog breeds to fit with your lifestyle can be simple when you have the right facts. Will you choose a small dog breed, extra large dog breed or somewhere in-between?
Whether you are choosing to add a purebred or mixed breed mutt to your family, it is important to know the characteristics of the dogs included in the mix. And remember, check your shelters and rescue groups first. Many purebred dogs are there awaiting a new loving home.
Dogs sold in pet stores or on-line are often from puppy mills which essentially are a cash-crop dog breeding business where dogs are continuously bred in horrid conditions. Even if you find a dog for sale through your local newspaper, check to see if the advertiser has been continuously advertising dogs for sale. Don’t support this kind of torture for profit.
Consider these things when selecting a dog breed for you:
* How large will the dog be when fully grown
* What is the lifespan of the dog breed
* What health problems are associated with the dog breed
* What is the temperament of the dog breed
* How much maintenance and grooming is required with the breeddog-breeds-mastiff
Consider your lifestyle when choosing dog breeds:
* Do you have small children in your household
* Do you have a yard with lots of room or do you live in an apartment
* Are you away from home for extended hours
* Do you have extra time to spend on caring for you dog
* Are your finances sufficient to allow for quality food and Vet care
We want to help you gather information on the dog breeds you are interested in. Click on the links in dog breed facts to learn about different dog breeds and help determine what breed will best fit in with your lifestyle. By learning about the characteristics and traits associated with the different dog breeds, you will be able to make an informed choice and help to assure both you and your new dog will enjoy a long happy relationship.
Rescue-dogs can be the best choice for great family pets. So often, through no fault of their own, they have been abandoned on the street or dumped in a shelter. They have so much love to give and deserve so much in return.
Two of the most frustrating, curious, stubborn, spoiled and totally wonderful creatures entered our life just about seven years ago. New additions to our family of rescue- dogs.
Libby joined us first. Our business UPS driver told us about her. Another business owner had witnessed her being thrown out of a car. She kept attempting to get back into the car (Such Loyalty!). Angered because she would not take the none-too-subtle hint to leave, the man proceeded to try to back over her. Not sure how the business owner angel intervened but he ended up saving her. He took her rescue-dogsto his Vet. and had her spayed. Her choker chain was so tight, it was embedded into the muscle of her neck and had to be surgically removed.
We named her Liberty Belle because it fit the freedom she now had. She is such a joy! In spite of her horrible beginnings, she is such a happy loving dog. She loves toys, unlimited hugs and an assortment of soft furniture to lay on as she chooses. It took her a while to trust Dan but once she did she was hopelessly in love. The only reminder of her ordeal is the fact that she still, after seven years, doesn’t like feet anywhere near her. She probably associates them with kicking. It is such a pleasure to watch her sleep peacefully as in this picture; not worrying about anything. That’s as it should be for all animals.
Jake joined our family about a week later.rescue-dogs2 We arrived at our business early one morning and Jake was lying on the front lawn. Dan called him, thinking he would probably just take off but he came right up to him. Since we had eight rescue-dogs at the time and our daughter Tina only had one, we nominated her to be Jake’s new mom. So, she took him home. But, not for long.
Several hours after arriving in Tina’s home we received a plaintive phone call. “Mom, you have to come get this dog. He has lifted his leg on every wall in my house and shows no signs of stopping!” He was clearly marking his territory to let Tina’s Golden Retriever know that he was the new Alpha dog in the house. And with eight rescue dogs in our house, we were sure that he would turn into a veritable urine factory.
Imagine our surprise when he did not lift his leg even once in our home that night nor any night or day since that time seven years ago. It was like he knew he was home. He immediately formed an unbelievably close bond with Dan that has not lessened a bit. But, I’m getting a bit ahead here. Rationally, Dan felt that we could not keep him and after advertising in the classifieds that we had found him and receiving no response, we spent a full week contacting rescue groups in an attempt to place him. We finally found someone that agreed to take him but after spending a few minutes in the very chaotic environment, Jake looked up at him with his gorgeous, melting brown eyes, leaned into him and Dan caved. “We’ve decided to keep him.” Dan announced. What a commitment!
Jake, whose official given name is Jacob Montel Abercrombie Fisher, suffered from EXTREME separation anxiety anytime Dan was out of eye-site. We have some very mangled doors and walls to prove it. As quickly as we repaired them, he again destroyed them. Three months of intensive dog training classes accomplished little. We tried dog training collars, dog cages and dog psychology. These things usually help most dogs greatly but there is always the exception and Jake chose to be that exception.
We ended up taking Jake to work with us each day and not going places much when we were home unless a family member volunteered to dog-sit. He did improve some over time as he became more secure of our return. We now can leave him for eight hours or so at a time.
It is amazing that he had the security to ask so much of us considering what he probably came from. His paw pads were quite worn for a young dog and he had scars on parts of his body. The hardest workout those paws now get is when he runs to greet his dad, jumps on the bed or sofa or chases his brothers and sisters around the yard. Ah, a dog’s life!
Best questions to ask before deciding on dog ownership:
Why do you want a dog?
Is it because they’re “cute”, your favorite celebrity has one or your kids really, really, really want one? These reasons can all lead to one BIG mistake. Adding a dog to your family should be a lifelong commitment and the dog’s lifetime could easily be 15 or more years. Make it a well thought out responsible decision. Dog adoption is a serious choice.
Do you have time for a dog?
Dogs require a lot of quality time. If you work long days, are tired at the end and just don’t feel like it, that is never an excuse. The dog still needs fed, groomed exercised and lots of companionship. Do you have good plans for who will care for your dog while you are on vacation or slipping away for a weekend trip? A friend, relative or kennel will need to be lined up.
What about your living arrangements?
Many rentals and communities either ban or restrict dog ownership. Do you have an outdoor space for your dog to play and burn off excess energy? If not, are you prepared to devote time to frequent dog walks?
Can your finances support dog ownership?
The cost can add up quickly. Many people don’t think about all the expenses involved. These include: license fees, Vet. bills, grooming, food, toys, training and the possible cost to repair any items your dog may destroy. Which leads to another consideration.
Are you prepared for the unexpected?
Are you prepared for chewing of household items and personal belongings, furniture and floor scratches, piddle, puddle and poo accidents on your nice carpet or shiny hardwood floors?
Do you freak out if your house is not perfect at all times?
Dogs can be messy. They don’t pick up their toys, wipe their paws or exercise any caution around breakable items. And the fur and dust does accumulate.
Anyone in your home have allergies?
Shedding dogs will aggravate this. There are breeds of dogs that are considered hypoallergenic or non-shedding but even those dogs can wreak havoc with a person that is very sensitive.
Think about any major future plans.
Having a baby or moving. Might want to wait till after these things happen to adopt your new dog. Some dogs are better with children than others.
Once the new baby has arrived, there are ways to help assure that the dog and baby are good roommates.
Finally, are you willing to make a forever commitment to your dog?
To be there when he needs you , even though it may be inconvenient, expensive and messy?
This dog adoption checklist can only serve as a guide. If you are sure about dealing with all these considerations and your commitment to see them through, dog adoption may be for you. You will have a very valued and dedicated friend in your new family addition.
Check here for further help in selecting just the right dog for you and your family.
Consider dog adoption when bringing a new pet into your family.Shelters such as the ASPCA, Humane Society and local dog rescue groups are usually overflowing with dogs needing homes.
Each day an astronomical number of dogs are put to death in shelters. The vast majority of these animals are loving gentle creatures that would be a welcome addition to any family. In fact,dog-adoption many of them were once in a family that could not or did not choose to keep them.
We have become such a throwaway society and unfortunately that mentality has extended to these helpless living beings. Can you imagine going from being a member of a family, running and playing with your favorite kids, to being confined in a small cage, hoping for even the smallest acknowledgment from someone passing by? This is an all too familiar scenario played out in shelters daily.
Some shelters are truly wonderful. They are no-kill and do their best to provide plenty of food, water, shelter and love. But, even these shelters can only do so much. And, they cannot take the place of a loving forever family of one’s own. Many have limited resources, both financial and human. Please support these deserving groups with your donations of time and money as well as spreading the word about their good works.
The ASPCA, Humane Society of the United States and Best Friends are all wonderful examples on a national level. Dog adoption is a top priority. There are also many regional and local groups run by compassionate people that selflessly devote their time and resources to make life better for homeless and neglected animals.
Unfortunately,for every good shelter, there are many more undesirable ones. Many of these lack the funding and even the compassion to do better. Also, many are supported by local government funding and thus are restricted by guidelines which include the number of animals that can be housed at any one time. Without space, something has to
happen.
And that something is usually euthanasia – a term simply referring to being put to death. Sugarcoating it as ‘being put to sleep’, is simply that, sugarcoating. Some people deal with their guilt that way but plain and simple, it is killing a helpless creature often because they have become a bother. Euthanasia methods range from decompression chambers and gas to lethal injection. Even the injection, which is by far the most humane, is not without it’s cruelties. The dog is scared, alone and unloved in it’s last moments. A creature with so much capacity to love is not allowed that luxury in it’s final moments on earth.
If you are thinking of adopting, take a look at our dog adoption checklist, then visit your local shelter. There you will find an enormous selection of new best friends. Whether you decide on a small dog, medium dog, large dog or even one of the extra large dog breeds, you can find them through a dog rescue group. Give one of these wonderful shelter dogs a new chance at life and add a blessing to your family.
