CHOOSING THE BREED THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

Copyright© 1995 Cyber-Pet, All rights reserved.
The following article has been written specifically for Cyber-Pet. All copy rights are held by Cyber-Pet and any reproduction of this material in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written consent of Cyber-Pet.

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle? In my case I will never be without a Great Dane because their calm, loving, clownish temperaments, huge hugable size and tremendous beauty are traits I cannot imagine doing without. So what if they cost a lot to feed, have many health problems and don't live nearly long enough? So what if my coffee table gets cleared every time they wag their tails or that their mischievousness during puppyhood (and often beyond!) is more damaging to the household due to their huge size? All of this is, to me, just part of being owned by Great Danes. Every breed has their pros and cons. As a prospective puppy buyer/dog owner, you must be aware of the traits, both good and bad, of the breed you are considering. Many pet owners own the breed they do because of an impulse buy. Sometimes this works out fine and other times they find out, too late, that this is not such a wonderful breed (for them) after all. Sadly, it's the innocent dog that suffers when it gets placed in a new home, returned to the breeder or, worst of all, sent to the pound! Each breed was developed with a definite purpose in mind. Each breed (or most anyway) have breed specific health and or temperament problems of which you should be aware. Some breeds have coats that need hours of grooming to keep the dog in good shape. Some breeds shed more than others. Some breeds are very active and hyper while others are quiet and sedentary. Buying a puppy isn't the same as purchasing a new sofa. A dog is not an inanimate object to be thrown out in the backyard, occasionally fed and watered and forgotten. Buying a puppy, or adopting an older dog is like adopting a child. It's a commitment, or certainly should be, of yourself to this animal until the day it dies. All dogs should be treated as a cherished member of the family. If only one member of the family wants the dog and the others are against it, you should probably wait until everyone is in agreement for both the dog's welfare and your own peace of mind. Also be sure that you have enough time to properly care for, train and spend time with a dog. If you live alone and work 12 hours a day, you probably shouldn't think of owning a dog at this time. Puppies especially, require a lot of time and care. A puppy alone all day isn't going to be a happy puppy. An unhappy puppy is going to get into trouble. And a troublesome puppy is usually discarded. Not good.

WHAT IS YOU FIRST STEP?
Because different breeds have different characteristics, it's a good idea to first define exactly what traits you want in a dog. Do you want a large dog? Medium, small? What is the main purpose of having the dog, other than companionship? Do you want the dog to hunt with you? Do you want a dog who is a good guard dog? How about children? If you have them, you want to be assured that the breed you choose is going to get along with the kids. And if you do have children, what age are they? A breed of dog that tends to be very hyperactive and aggressive would not be a good choice with very small children as the dog will likely do damage if it jumps on the kid and play bites. However kids in the 10 years and up range would probably thoroughly enjoy an active outgoing playmate. What about grooming? How much time are you willing to spend on this chore? What about shedding? Some dogs don't shed at all and others shed almost constantly. Short coated dogs shed but the hair is shorter so you don't see it as much as you will see the shed from a longer haired breed. How much noise are you willing to put up with? What about your neighbors? Some dogs are constantly yapping and barking while others make almost no sound at all. Basenjis are an example of a 'barkless' breed (perhaps the only example). What about trainability? Some breeds are notoriously difficult to housebreak and/or train while others practically discipline themselves. If your interest is obedience, seek out those breeds that excel in the field. If you're a hunter and have visions of fall days in the duck blind with your trusty dog, you wouldn't go out and buy a Chinese Crested. If you hope to own a dog who will be around for 15 to 16 years, don't purchase a large breed. Some breeds are difficult to keep fenced and require special efforts in this department.

RESEARCHING BREED TRAITS
There are several way to learn about the traits of different breeds. There are many books on dogs which list the different breeds and give a brief description of that breed. This is a good place to start until you've begun to narrow down your choices. Once you've got your list to 3 or 4 possible breeds, it's time to dig out the details.

Your best sources for this will be the breeders/owners themselves. Reputable breeders and long time owners are likely to give you the true story when it comes to the good and bad traits of the breed. Don't be shy about asking questions. Better to make a pest of yourself now than later if you should buy a breed which is not well suited to your lifestyle.

GENERAL BREED TRAITS
Although I don't intend to go into detail here about each breed, the different breeds under their AKC category tend to share some common traits.

Sporting Breeds
The more common breeds found in this group are the Irish, Gordon and English Setters, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Springer Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer, etc. Dogs in this group are bred to accompany their masters on the hunt as pointers and retrievers. They must be able to work and run long and hard during the course of a hunting day. They are generally medium sized dogs with great energy levels. Some are true water dogs and will retrieve birds from water of all temperatures.

This means that if they aren't employed frequently as hunters, they will tend to employ themselves in these endeavors! Around the home they may be extremely active to the point of annoyance. If you have a collection of pet birds, you might not wish to have these dogs in your home. If you have a swimming pool and own a Labrador Retriever, he'll be found in the pool about 50% of the time! Some sporting breeds can be constant barkers. Others are not so noisy. Be sure to ask. Sporting breeds are not usually thought of as great guards although there certainly can be exceptions to this.

Working Breeds
Some of the more well known breeds in this category include the Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, St. Bernard, Rottweiler, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Mastiff and Akita.

The breeds of the Working Group tend to be fairly large dogs who were originally bred as guards, draft dogs, rescue dogs, and to assist man in his work. They are generally less active than dogs of the sporting breeds and are not so quick to bark. They are not recommended as apartment dwellers although the lack of space can be overcome with adequate exercise. Working breeds are generally easily trained and are friendly with strangers once their master says it's OK. They are extremely loyal to their owners and thrive as family dogs.

Because the dogs of this group tend to be larger than average, they also live shorter lives. They may not necessarily eat more than a smaller dog of the Terrier or Sporting breeds, but they do eat more than most breeds. Their very size can be a drawback as they galump through the house in play. Their teeth can certainly do more damage to the pillow they've stolen from the sofa than the teeth of a Chihuahua.

Hound Group
Dogs in this group are bred to run down and hunt game. Some hunt by sight, such as the Afghan Hound, Irish Wolfhound and Greyhound, while others hunt by scent, such as the Bloodhound and Basset Hound.

Within this group you will find great contrasts such as the tallest dog of all the breeds, the Irish Wolfhound and one of the shortest, the Dachshund. The swiftest of all the breeds, the Greyhound and one of the slowest, the Basset Hound. One of the loudest bayers, the Coonhound and the 'barkless' Basenji! Activity levels also vary greatly from the clownish, on the move, Whippet to the sedentary Basset.

Terrier Group
Some of the better known terriers are the Miniature Schnauzer, American Staffordshire Terriers (sometimes erroneously called 'pit bulls'), Scottish Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier and Bull Terriers, both white and colored (also sometimes erroneously called 'pit bulls').

The dogs that make up this group are, for the most part, extremely active dogs. The word, Terrier, derives from the Latin "Terre" which means earth. Terriers were bred to 'go to earth' to route out rats, fox, woodchuck, weasel and other small earth dwelling creatures. The word 'tenacity' fully describes the terrier temperament. They are fiercely loyal and courageous.

Some terriers require what is referred to as 'hand striping' to keep their coats looking good. Although this isn't required if you're not showing, it's something to be aware of. Terriers aren't always suited to multiple dog families and it's a good idea to ask lots of questions regarding each breed.

Toy Breeds
The Toy Poodle, Pomeranian, Miniature Pinscher, Pug and Yorkshire Terrier are some of the more common breeds within this group. Most toys are under 10 pounds in weight. They are bred to be pets and companions.

Because they require little room and don't eat much, they are ideal as apartment dogs. Although small, they are often longer lived that the larger breeds. Beware, however, that these dogs can often be very yappy!

Non Sporting
Bichons Frises, Chow Chow, Keeshonden, Boston Terrier and the Chinese Shar-Pei are some of the breeds that make up this group. Although most of the breeds in this group have been bred to do a certain job, they didn't fit into any other group so ended up here.

Herding
German Shepherd Dog, Collie, Australian Shepherd, Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and Bouvier de Flanders are a few of this group that was developed to herd livestock. Although most are larger, some, like the Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog and Corgis are of a smaller size.

Herding breeds are naturally attracted to other animals and if properly trained, get on with most other animals well. They CAN, however, be a nuisance around other animals if not properly trained, giving vent to their instinct to herd those who need no herding at the moment! They can be a very active breed needing proper outlets for their considerable energy. Few breeds are more loyal to their families and people than these dogs.

MAKING YOUR CHOICE
Many people decide that they want to own a certain breed because of their admiration for Lassie or because they've seen a certain breed in a movie and find it's attractive. What they don't consider is the basic temperament of this particular breed as well as the purpose for which it has been bred.

It's very important to keep in mind that breeds that have been bred as guard dogs, for instance, are going to be more protective than other breeds. You cannot expect to own one of these breeds and have it be happy to see every stranger that enters your home as would a Golden Retriever. But in the case of guards, you absolutely must remember that if you have no experience with dog handling and training, you have no business with one of these guys. They are wonderful dogs and fully capable of doing their jobs but in the hands of the novice it's like having a loaded gun you have no idea of how to use! You wouldn't buy a gun and not learn how to use it, so why own a guard breed if you aren't willing to learn how to handle it?

Some breeds have risen to popularity and then been badly used and exploited by those who are out to make a quick buck. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes to mind. Here's a breed that was originally bred for the so-called 'sport' of dog fighting. Later many of these aggressive traits were bred out making him into a loyal family member and guard. Then along come those who still want fighting dogs, and proceed to undo all the good that reputable breeders have so painstakingly accomplished over many generations. The resulting dogs from these breedings have caused great damage to the reputation of the segment of the breed that is still trustworthy. You must take these things into consideration when researching your breeds. This is also another reason to buy only from reputable breeders.

Don't purchase a long haired breed if you can't stand hair in the house. Don't get a toy dog if constant yapping drives you nuts. Don't buy a giant breed if you can't afford the feed and upkeep.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
In your fact finding missions, know what questions to ask the breeders and owners of the breeds you're interested in. As mentioned before, all breeds have their pros and cons. You must be aware of them in order to make the right decision.

1. What is the temperament like?
2. What is the mature size and weight?
3. Are they good with children?
4. What are their indigenous health problems?
5. How long do they live?
6. How much do they shed?
7. How much do they eat?
8. How trainable are they?
9. How house breakable are they?
10. Do they require a lot of grooming?
11. How noisy are they?
12. How protective are they?
13. Do they require any special care or management?
14. Are they good with other dogs and animals?

Attend a dog show, ask either the Show Superintendent or an exhibitor what time the breeds you're interested in will be judged. Each breed is assigned a time of judging and usually only the dog of that breed that won Best of Breed will be there all day as he will later be exhibited in the Group.

Another good reason for attending the shows is that there are usually vendors there who sell every book on dogs known to man! A GREAT way to learn about the breeds.