by Kristy Alee Smith

Dogs come in more shapes, sizes and colors than your favorite designer handbag. More than 400 breeds were developed for specific purposes, therefore having varying personalities. How do you choose? 

When deciding what breed you want, you should understand the breed’s needs and closely match those with your own requirements. Do you prefer a low-maintenance breed that doesn’t require grooming? Do you have children? Do you have other animals? What type of exercise program can you offer your dog? What type of climate do you live in?

Dogs have been bred for centuries to perform certain jobs. Few dogs do these jobs now, but still harbor those characteristics and tendencies, causing difficulties for many owners.  Breeds require different amounts and types of care and training, food, and exercise.  There are different personalities and drives. Some are quiet, some are vocal. Some are gentle and laid back while others make good watch dogs. Others are more dominant.  Some are even smarter and easier to train than others.

Whether you decide on a purebreed dog or a mix, you should research the breed tendencies to help you find the right companion. Depending on genetics and breeding standards, some dogs may have more instinctual characteristics than others. Even mixed breeds can have a combination of natural characteristics.

There are several references for investigating breeds. The AKC and other kennel clubs throughout the world are a great source of information. Your local veterinarian or trainer can also help you decide what dog fits you best. To help narrow down your search, read about the various groups that breeds are a part of.

The Working group includes dogs that were meant to do just that: work! This includes guarding, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. These dogs are large in size. They are independent and may not wait for your command to act on a problem. They can be territorial, and dog-aggressive if not well socialized. Some may bark frequently as they are always on duty. They make solid companions and are intelligent and quick to learn. Examples of popular breeds in this category include: Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky and the Doberman Pinscher.

The Herding group involves dogs that were bred to control the movement of other animals. These are highly intelligent canines that respond great to training. Pure instincts prompt these dogs to herd their owners, children and other house pets. Sometimes this herding involves nipping and barking. This can become a problem without proper leadership and training. Their minds, as well as their bodies, need to be exercised.  Dogs that fit in this category include the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, German Shepherd Dog, Shetland Sheepdog and Welsh Corgi.

The Sporting group includes Retrievers, Pointers, Setters and Spaniels. Most dogs in this group require regular invigorating exercise. They are naturally active and alert and many have instincts for hunting and water activities. If you have a backyard pool and do not want your dog in it, dogs in this group are not recommended.

Ancestors of the Hound group were used for hunting. They live by their nose or eyes and can be hard to control once they spot something. Many use a loud baying sound to communicate. They are usually dog-friendly for the fact that they are used to living in close quarters. Sight hounds are generally calm and like to have soft places to lie due to their thin body and coats. Dogs in this group include the Bloodhound, Beagle, Bassett Hound,  Greyhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Dachshund.

The Toy group includes small sized expressional canines. They are popular with city dwellers and can make easier apartment dogs. However housetraining is usually more difficult with the smaller breed dogs. These are easily spoiled and need a lot of socializing with people and other dogs. Do not be fooled by their tiny stature – some toy breeds can have quite a loud bark and act as tough as nails. Some dogs in the Toy group include the Maltese, Italian Greyhound, Pug, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Poodle, Chihuahua and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

A group well known for being feisty and energetic is the Terrier group.  They come in sizes small to large. They can have little tolerance for other animals, for the fact that their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin.  Some require special grooming called stripping. Terriers are known to be barkers and have instincts for digging. A designated digging sand box is recommended. Some popular breeds are the Jack Russell Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, West Highland Terrier  and the Miniature Schnauzer.

Two groups that are very diversified include the Non-Sporting and the Miscellaneous and Rare groups. There is a non-sporting dog out there for each individual. The group differs from the short, strong-natured French Bulldog to the exuberant Finnish Spitz.  Their ears, tails and coats are as varied as the dog they are attached to.  Barks range from low to high pitched and coats from long and curly to short haired and shedding. Don’t be fooled by the lackluster name: these non-sport canines can be anything but.  The Miscellaneous and Rare group includes lesser-known breeds that typically have fewer health problems. These dogs are also close to their ancestors in physique and temperament.  Some rare breeds include the Canaan Dog, the Anatolian Shepherd, Havanese and the Xoloitzcuintli.

There is something to be said for stereotyping dogs. When new dog owners first start looking at the groups, then the breed and finally the individual, their attributes and needs will be better understood. There will be less need for shelters, rescue groups and pounds, and more perfect matching with owners and their newfound canines.

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