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
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Why should you use the dog crate training method?Is the... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs... Read More
What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
Shock CollarsAre you at a loss as to whether or... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Have you ever been to a dog kennel and listen... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More
Puppies need to go to the bathroom after they play,... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
The first thing to do when searching for a lost... Read More
There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
This is a question that has been asked of me... Read More
A poorly trained dog is a nuisance and can even... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
Pet |