With So Many Great Dog Breeds, How do You Choose?

There are over 150 dog breeds in the American Kennel Club, and each one is considered a favorite dog breed by different people. Some people prefer small dog breeds. Others prefer a hunting breed, and other people love the large dog breeds.

What about the people who perhaps have never had the chance to get to know any certain dog breed? How do they select a dog when they have no idea what each breed is like?

Chihuahuas are small, easy to transport, and affectionate. But can they live with such a yappy dog?

Newfoundlands are quiet, peaceful, and companionable. But they take up a lot of space. It was like stepping over a bear rug wherever our Newfie decided to lie down.

Maybe you are interested in a dog that is more medium-sized, like the popular Beagle or Cocker Spaniel. Did you know that Beagles can be a bit overwhelming for little children? The Beagle’s exuberance and love-to-play attitude can be frightening to a two or even four year old child. Yet they are great family dogs and can be trained to take it easy with little people.

Here are some basic tips when chooosing a dog breed for your home:

• What size would fit your life?
• Do you have a lot of energy to handle a dog breed that wants to be in charge (Pit Bull, German Shepherd, etc)?
• Do you want a quiet dog, or is it okay to get a yappy breed?
• Are you gone a lot?
• Do you have the time and energy for a dog that needs daily exercise?

These are some of the questions you need to think about before choosing a dog breed. Read the dog breed descriptions at this site (under “Breeds” at the top of this page), read Cesar Millan’s book “Cesar’s Way,” and ask friends that have dogs what they think of their dog’s breed.

Cesar’s book is cheap but full of information to help you decide on a breed to get and how to train your dog. The most important thing I learned is the importance of not getting a high-energy dog if I do not have a lot of energy. Having enough energy to take control and be the dog’s leader is very important.

There are over 150 dog breeds out there, and each one is special and makes a great pet. What it comes down to is some breeds are better for certain people than other breeds.

A social breed such as the Golden Retreiver would be very unhappy in a home where the people were so busy with activities that they were hardly ever home. Border Collies go crazy if they don’t have a job to do or lots of room to run (and run and run and run).

You job: Find the breed that fits you and your lifestyle, bring that dog breed home, and take care of your new friend for the rest of its life. Best of luck to you.