Which Breed is Best for Me and my Family ?

Hello all you wannabe dog owners out there. You have just taken your first step over the threshold of the wonderful but daunting task of selecting the breed of dog that is best for you. This is no light under taking either. For you must ask not what you can do for the dog but what the dog can and cannot do for you.

There are over 150 breeds of dog registers with the American Kennel Club. Each of those breeds fit within six groups or classes. There are the hounds and working dogs, sporting and non sporting, terriers and toys.

Hounds such as wolfhounds, grey hounds, beagles and elk hounds are keen with their noses and eye sight which is why they are such fine hunters.

Sporting dogs are playful, active and require many hours a week of exercise and mental stimulation. Hiding, fetching and dog tricks will be great fun for breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Pointers and English Setters.

Choose a working/herding dog and you will have an intelligent, dedicated companion. They will round up sheep and more than likely keep unwanted guests out of your yard. German Shepherds, Collies, Rottweilers and Old English Sheepdogs are good choices and of course they as well require daily exercise and benefit from a strict training regime. Dogs from this group are probably best for experienced dog owners.

Now we come to the more cute and cuddly groups. I am sure you have all seen the celebrity craze for small toy dogs such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. Do not mistake their small bodies for low maintenance bodies. Tiny pets require care as they tend to get obese if spoiled and they must be properly socialized with other animals and children if they are going to have a place in your home.

Terriers also fall into the sometimes grumpy and intolerant category. Best suited for older owners who have no young children around, terriers are loving, loyal and very smart. Most were bred to catch rats so their nature to chase is understandable. As with any dog a good leash is vital for safety. Jack Russell, Scottish and West Highland are all fine examples of terriers breeds.

Last but certainly not least, we come to the all purpose non sporting dog.

Breeds such as Bulldogs, Lhasa Apso, Shi-tzus and Pugs are the types of dogs for you if you want a sweet little friend who will be just as happy to curl up in your lap as chase a ball around the backyard. They are my top pick for first time dog owners.

With all that said, the keys when selecting a companion pet are to think about the lifestyle you lead and how the dog will fit into that. Think about how much space you are willing to allow the dog, how much time you can spend giving the proper levels of exercise and of course loving attention.

If you are more than ready and able for the task at hand, then I wish you all the best and lots of fun in the hunt for your new furry family member.