Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 2 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. In Part 2 of this 3 Part Series, we'll continue looking at the seven Groups of dogs that are acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. We'll learn what it is that brings 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: Working

Group Traits: Powerfully built; Protective of owner; fearless

Likes: Structure and routine; Predictability

Dislikes: Unexpected events

Behavior Indoors: Low to moderate

Behavior Outdoors: Moderate to active

Physicality: High

Territoriality: High

Relations with Children: Good to very good (particularly family)

Relations with Strangers: Reserved

Relations with Dogs: Moderate to Dominant

Relations with Other Animals: Good

Guard dog inclinations: Moderate to High

Vocalization: Moderate (High when guarding)

Group: Terrier

Group Traits: Determined; high stamina; feisty; digger; fearless

Likes: Activity; Learning new things

Dislikes: Boredom; confinement; harsh discipline

Behavior Indoors: Active

Behavior Outdoors: Active

Physicality: High (high threshold for pain)

Territoriality: Moderate to high

Relations with Children: Poor to Good

Relations with Strangers: Poor to Good

Relations with Dogs: Moderate to Good (do well with like breeds)

Relations with Other Animals: May chase (prey drive)

Guard dog inclinations: Great watchdog, poor guard dog due to size

Vocalization: Moderate to high

Group: Toy

Group Traits: Bred to be companion; prefer favorite person; indoor only; bright problem solvers

Likes: Attention; laps; soft furniture; warmth;

Dislikes: Harsh reprimands; hectic, unpredictable environment

Behavior Indoors: Active

Behavior Outdoors: Moderate to active

Physicality: Low to moderate

Territoriality: Moderate to high

Relations with Children: Poor to Good

Relations with Strangers: Poor to Very Good

Relations with Dogs: Subordinate to good

Relations with Other Animals: Moderate to good

Guard dog inclinations: Good watchdog, poor guard dog due to size

Vocalization: Moderate to very verbal

*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.

Part 3 in this series will discuss the following Groups: Herding Dogs and Non-Sporting.

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

---

Dogs Are Mans Best Friend

Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More

Mosquitoes Are a Hazard to Your Pets Health Too

None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More

The Geriatric (Older) Dog

Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More

The Positve Benefits of Dog Day Care

Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More

Breeding Clownfish

Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More

Probiotics - The Good Bacteria

PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More

Dog Obedience Training Basics

The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More

Home Hazards That Can Affect Our Pets

Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More

Ten Tips for Cats Who are Forced to Relocate with Their Owners

For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More

Cancer and Your Pet

Just say the word cancer and any of a host... Read More

Adopt A Pet

In order to add love and affection to their lives,... Read More

Correcting Cats Bad Behaviour: How To Discipline Your Cat; Youll Be Happy; Your Cat Will Be Too!

At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies

Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More

Do You Enjoy Watching Your Dog Wear Handmade Dog Scarfs Just To Suit Their Personality?

Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More

Finding the Perfect Cat or Kitten for You and Your Family

Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More

Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More

Canine Bloat

What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More

The 5 Things You Should Know Before Breeding Cats

The cat population is astronomical. Most experts agree that average... Read More

Living With a Pet Serval

Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More

Dog Flea Control Management: How To Prevent, Treat, And Kill Dog Fleas

Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More

Does Your Dog Need Puppy Prozac?

Is your dog up to dirty no good again? Did... Read More

Stop Your Dog From Pulling You Down The Street

From the first day of life on a leash, most... Read More

Canine Mastitis

Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More

Dogs - Mans Best Friend

Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com Helps Recover Lost Pets

Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More

How to Maintain Your Love Affair ... With Your Dog Part Two - Assemble a Great Team

In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More

Ten Important Things Your Dog Wants You To Know

If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More

4 Things Frustrated Dog Owners Should Know

You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More

Dog Training ? Early Training Is Essential

Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More

Dog Vaccinations: Doing Shots

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

How To Stop Your Cat Spraying

The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More

Nikki and Benny, My Therapy Visiting Dogs.

My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... 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