Dog Breeds – A List Of Dogs That Will Fit Your Lifestyle Perfectly

As far as the appearance is concerned, you already know what type of dog you are looking for. But do you know if that dog is right for you?  For instance, you may love the white curly hair of a Poodle, but are you ready for the grooming treatment that it requires to maintain those beautiful curly locks? You admire the intelligence of a German Shepherd, but do you know that this breed sheds year-round? So unless you can bear to have constant hair on your furnitures, this brainy dog may not be ideal for you.

If you have thought that you might like to get into dogs, but have not yet purchased your first one, allow us to give you a word of advice. There are so many wonderful breeds, each with its own particular charm, that I'm sure you can find just the right breed for you. However, decide on one whose size and temperament fit into your life. Don't get a Great Dane if you live in a tiny apartment, and don't get a tiny dog if a high-pitched bark grates on your nerves.

Getting To Know Your Dog's Breed Type

If you haven't picked a dog yet, then research the different breeds that best suit your lifestyle and temperament. If you already have a particular breed, then still make the effort to research the specifics of your breed through dog magazines, breed-specific club magazines and books.

The more you know about your breed the more you will know about your dog's needs, quirks, strengths and weaknesses. This will make you a better teacher in helping your dog adapt to the city. If you get a Husky, then she will need a lot of exercise. If you are not the type to want to run, bike or skate with your dog, then a Husky may not be for you.

Talk to breeders about the dogs they breed. Reputable breeders will give you straight answers that let you know if their dogs are right for you. Don't rely only on people you meet on the street who own a breed of dog that interests you.

Once you have decided which breed you want, please do some studying about what is right and what is wrong for a dog of that particular breed. Read a book on your chosen breed, go to shows, watch the judging, talk to the breeders. Be sure you don't buy a dog which has a disqualification for his breed and, you will be ever so much happier in the show game if you at least start out with a dog which has no serious faults. I cannot tell you here what the disqualifications or faults are, as there are more than one hundred breeds for you to choose from and each breed has its own particular faults.

Dogs That Are Great With Children

If you have kids in your family, you want to make sure that your dog will get along with them. These dogs will surely love to play with your kids:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Collie
3. Beagle

Dogs That Require Less Grooming

All dogs need to be groomed. The coat needs to be brushed, nails need to be trimmed, teeth must be brushed, and they all need an occasional bath. But as far as coat caring is concerned, these dogs do not require much maintenance:

1. Chihuahua
2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
3. Whippet

Lapdogs

If you are looking for a dog that you can nestle on your lap, these three are the best:

1. Shih Tzu
2. Pomeranian
3. English Toy Spaniel

When you are ready to buy, go to a reliable breeder and tell him that you intend to show. A sincere breeder would not sell you an inferior animal if he knows it is to be shown. Many people when they are buying a dog ask for "just a pet," thinking they will get the animal cheaper.

Energetic Dogs

You enjoy a good run and need a companion who can join you for a hike on the trail or a 10 mile jog. Consider these breeds:

1. Parson Russell Terrier
2. Border Collie
3. Siberian Husky

A good breeder wants his stock shown and does not want to be embarrassed by having a dog of his breeding with a serious fault show up at a show, and by the same token he does not want to sell a top dog to someone who will never show it, as for all practical purposes the dog would be lost to the show and breeding world. He would rather sell you a good dog for less money if you promised it would be shown. If he is a big breeder, he cannot possibly get all the dogs he raises to the shows under his own name, and he is always looking for someone to come along who is interested in showing. He will not give the dog away, because experience has taught him that the dog receives better care if he has been purchased and he has a much better chance of actually getting into the show ring when the new owner has paid something for the dog.

Athletic Dogs

Looking for a sport buddy? These dogs are active, agile, vigorous, and strong – the recipe of a winner:

1. Greyhound
2. Border Collie
3. Sheltie

Most Obedient Dogs

If you are looking for a dog who listens, one who is willing to please you and doesn't get distracted easily, check out these breeds:

1. Border Collie
2. Golden Retriever
3. Shih Tzu