How to Select The Right Breed of Dog For Your Family

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By ashcraft
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Article Rating: (18 Ratings)

Working Group-Bernese Mountain Dog

Take care to match your family with the right dog for your pet

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Sporting Group-Golden Retriever

When selecting a breed of dog for your family - be sure you take into consideration what that breed was bred to do and that it fits in with your life style.
Step 2

Toy Group-Silky Terrier

All dogs registered with the American Kennel Club are divided into 6 groups: sporting, non-sporting, terrier, toys, working and hounds.
Sporting dogs are naturally bred to hunt - so if you raise birds - this would be a very impractical choice. Non-sporting is anything that basically does not fit into any of the other groups. Terriers are supposed to be on their toes individuals, and may appear nervous and yappy to some people. If you don't like this attitude you will not be happy with most terriers.
Toys are what the name denotes - those breeds that do not go over a certain height standard (set by each breed within the group).
Working dogs are bred to do a specific job. They are usually very dependent on human companionship.
Hounds tend to be aloof and may pout easily. They tend to be "furniture" dogs so if this is out of the question - don't look in this direction or you may be in for a continuous battle!
These are general characteristics to help you to select the breed that may best suit your environment. There are always individuals within a breed that can adapt to your situation if you are willing to spend the time with them.
Step 3

Non-Sporting Group-Bichon Frise

After you select the breed you think you would like to live with and that would best fit into your life style, read the standard for that breed and go to a reputable breeder. They will stand behind the dogs they sell. They have also put the proper care and training into the puppy because they care about improving the breed, not just selling puppies.
The main thing you should be concerned with in you pup, is that he has a good temperament. Within each breed individual temperaments will vary, the same as individuals within a family.
If at all possible - watch the pups play for a while. Some will be stronger in temperament than others. A soft temperament, the one who cowers and runs or hides from confrontations with his litter mates or people (the one you feel sorry for) is definitely an undesirable temperament. Cross him off you list! These are the ones who can become fear biters and even if trained may never become a reliable pet.
This is the first step to your new companion. I hope it gives you some insight into selecting the new member of your family!