Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 1 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just can't decide where to begin? If so, let's break it down and sort through all the options. Over a series of 3 unscientific articles, we'll begin by looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. We'll learn what commonalities bring various breeds together to form a Group. Learning about each Group will narrow down our search for the best Breed(s) for us.

How to Use this Guide: Highlight each piece of information that is most important to you and compare the number of highlighted traits when you have finished reading about each Group.

Group: Sporting

Group Traits: Point; Set; Retrieve; Enjoy Water; Mouthy

Likes: People; Other dogs

Dislikes: Being left alone; Not having a job

Behavior Indoors: Normal to Active

Behavior Outdoors: Active

Physicality: Moderate to High

Territoriality: Low to Moderate

Relations with Children: Very good

Relations with Strangers: Very good

Relations with Dogs: Good

Relations with Other Animals: Good to low (prey drive)

Guard dog inclinations: Low

Vocalization: Low to Medium (vocal whining when lonely)

Group: Hound

Group Traits: Visually or Scent oriented; Speed; Digger

Likes: Working

Dislikes: Boredom

Behavior Indoors: Low to moderate

Behavior Outdoors: Active

Physicality: Moderate

Territoriality: Low to moderate

Relations with Children: Good

Relations with Strangers: Good

Relations with Dogs: Good

Relations with Other Animals: May chase (prey drive)

Guard dog inclinations: Low

Vocalization: Moderate to High (high when working or excited)

Part 2 in this series will discuss the following Groups: Working Dogs, Terriers, and Toy Dogs.

*Note: Use this information as a general guide at best. The most we can hope to offer is a stereotypical overview of what you might be able to expect, or what you may want to look for, in dogs in each Group. Breeds and individual dogs in each Group can vary greatly in traits and personalities.

The author has worked with dogs and dog people for two decades, advocating for smart selections before a new dog is brought into a home and always stressing responsible selection and ownership for the good of the dog, the family and the community. She also makes dog and cat art available to the companion animal industry and to animal lovers at http://www.GreatandSmallGallery.com

---

Lets Get Clear On Proper Dog Care

Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More

Pets Looking for Humans, Humans Looking for Pets

Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More

Hypoallergenic Dogs

When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More

Whos Pulling On The Leash, You Or Your Dog?

Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More

Five Powerful Reasons Why Owning A Pet Could Make You Live Longer

You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More

What You Should Know About Dog Health Care

Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More

How To Use Leading Your Horse To Get Control And Response

I've been around many people who try to lead a... Read More

How To Load A Horse Into A Trailer - Easy As Pie!

If there is an art to getting horses to load... Read More

Horse Stable keeping

It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More

Dog Vaccinations: Doing Shots

Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More

Herbs For Your Dog

Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More

Raw Feed? Are You Joking?

Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More

Housebreaking Your Dog-Potty Training Canine Style

Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More

Terrorizing Your Cat with iRobot Vacuum System

Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More

Vet Check - Well-Bird Check Up

I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dog And Frustration

Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More

Thinking of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog?

One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More

What Rabbit Noises Mean

a) GrowlingIf your rabbit growls or grunts at you, she... Read More

Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More

Dog Training Collars -- Proper Selection Leads To Training Success

The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More

How To Choose A Professional Dog Trainer

1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More

Dog Hygiene Basics

Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More

Have an Itchy Dog? Consider These Grooming Tips Before Turning To Chemical Treatments

Many dogs today suffer from itchy skin caused by a... Read More

Electric Dog Fences: Keep You Pet in the Yard and Out of Places You Dont Want Them to Be

Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More

DOG ID TAGS-Identify and Protect Your Dog With Any of These Methods

The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More