Which Breed Is Right For You?

Why does one breed appeal to a person over another? Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle?

Every breed has their pros and cons. As a prospective puppy buyer/dog owner, you must be aware of the traits, both good and bad, of the breed you are considering. Many pet owners own the breed they do because of an impulse buy. Sometimes this works out fine and other times dog owners find out, too late, that this is not such a wonderful breed (for them) after all. Sadly, it's the innocent dog that suffers when it gets placed in a new home, returned to the breeder or, worst of all, taken to the pound!

Each breed was developed with a definite purpose in mind. Each breed (or most anyway) have breed specific health and or temperament problems of which you should be aware. Some breeds have coats that need hours of grooming to keep the dog in good shape. Some breeds shed more than others. Some breeds are very active and hyper while others are quiet and sedentary.

Because different breeds have different characteristics, it's a good idea to first define exactly what traits you want in a dog. Do you want a large dog, medium or small? What is the main purpose of having the dog, other than companionship? Do you want the dog to hunt with you? Do you want a dog that is a good guard dog? How about children? If you have them, you want to be assured that the breed you choose is going to get along with the kids. And if you do have children, what age are they? A dog breed that tends to be very hyperactive and aggressive would not be a good choice with very small children as the dog will likely do damage if it jumps on the kid and play bites. However kids in the 10 years and up range would probably thoroughly enjoy an active outgoing playmate.

What about grooming? How much time are you willing to spend on this chore? What about shedding? Some dogs don't shed at all and others shed almost constantly. How much noise are you willing to put up with? What about trainability? Some breeds are notoriously difficult to housebreak and/or train while others practically discipline themselves. If your interest is obedience, seek out those breeds that excel in the field. If you're a hunter and have visions of fall days in the duck blind with your trusty dog, you wouldn't go out and buy a Chinese Crested. If you hope to own a dog that will be around for 15 to 16 years, don't purchase a large breed.

Lana Hampton makes it easy to find the dog information you want. Visit her site today for the latest dog information.



Lyme Disease in Dogs

It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More

Rabbits As Pets

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More

Your Guide to Cat Breeds

For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More

Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!

Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More

Tired of Vet Bills?

Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Finding Out The Gender of Your Goldfish

Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More

A Reference Guide for Symphysodon Aequifasciatus (Discus)

This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More

With Understanding Comes Success

One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More

Dog Crate Buyers Guide - How to Choose the Right Crate and Accessories

Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bird Cage

If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More

Float a Horses Teeth -- What Does that Mean and Why is it Necessary?

So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More

The Case AGAINST Raw Frozen Pet Foods

For some 25 years I have alerted the public to... Read More

Lower Your Veterinarian Costs And Increase the Longevity of Your Pets Lives

What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More

Syrian vs. Dwarf Hamsters, What Should I Get For My Family?

As pets go hamsters are fairly easy to take care... Read More

Pet Owners Are The Majority Population In The U.S.

According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More

Owning a Wild or Exotic Cat; Information, Laws, and Advice

Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More

Is There Taurine In Your Dogs Food?

Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More

The Fun of Do It Yourself Snake and other Reptile Cages

Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More

Picking Up A Horses Hoof

The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More

Canine Diabetes - Does Your Dog Have it?

Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More

Goldfish Tips - Choosing The Right One

Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More

Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog

Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy... Read More

How Many Dogs Are Too Many?

I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: