What Type of Dog Would Suit you Best: A Look at Dog Breeds

As you start your search for a dog, you are probably asking yourself, "What type of dog would suit me?" Dogs come in many different sizes, colors, coats, and personalities. Start your owner-dog relationship off on the right foot by doing your research before you choose a breed.

While there are over 400 recognized breeds in the world, the easiest place to start is by looking at the approx. 155 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, broken down into seven broad categories. Within each breed category are subgroups.

Sporting Group

Sporting dogs were originally bred to help man hunt fowl by retrieving the birds from water or bushes. Nature has conditioned them to retrieve; they also love retrieving balls and newspapers, and they make terrific companions. Members of the Sporting Group include retrievers, setters, spaniels, and pointers. A naturally energetic breed, regular vigorous exercise is essential with these dogs to curb excessive jumping, chewing, and barking.

Working Group

The dogs in this group were bred to help man. There are sled dogs, rescue dogs and guard dogs in this group. They are bright, quick learners, and they are good companion dogs. Many of these breeds are very large, powerful dogs and therefore strong consideration should be make before deciding on one of these dogs for a home with young children. Proper training is essential with these breeds. Among the breeds are sled dogs like the Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed; draft dogs that were bred to cart heavy loads like the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog; guard dogs including the Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler and Mastiff; and rescue/water dogs such as the Newfoundland and Portuguese Water Dog.

Herding Group

Dogs in the herding group were, naturally, born to herd. They are energetic, agile, alert, easy to train, and make excellent pets. They love vigorous exercise and if they can't find sheep or cattle to herd they will happily (and gently) herd their owners or children. Herding dog include the Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog and Briard.

Hound Group

Historically, hounds were bred for hunting. There are three main subgroups: sighthounds, scent hounds, and large game hounds. Sighthounds make gentle pets, but they adore running after fast-moving targets. They include the Greyhound, Afghan Hound, Whippet and Basenji. Scent hounds follow their nose and it can be difficult to get their attention when they are on the trail of something. They are sweet, loving, and make good companions. Among them are the Beagle, Daschund and American and English Fox Hound. Large game hounds like the Rhodesian Ridgeback were bred to hunt lions, elk and other wild game. They are strong, fearless and make good watch dogs.

Terrier Group

Terriers are a strong-minded bunch, and were bred as either vermin hunters or fighters. Vermin hunters like the Jack Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier and West Highland Terrier are energetic, independent and do best on a leash when outdoors. Terriers can become barkers or chewers if not properly trained, and may be aggressive over food or toys. The fighter group includes the American Staffordshire Terrier and Bull Terrier. They can make good pets if properly trained and socialized, but without training they may be dangerous to people, particularly children, and other dogs.

Toy Group

The Toy breeds are tiny, playful, dedicated to their owners, and love and demand attention. Their main goal is to be adorable and they are great lapdogs. They don't need as much exercise as some other breeds and they do well in apartments or condos. They are good companions for older people. Some breeds like the Chihuahua may bark excessively or snap if they are not trained. Toy Breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Pekinese, Havanese, Pomeranian, and Toy Poodle.

Non-Sporting Group

Many of these dogs originated as working dogs, but these days they are mostly companions. These breeds vary widely in personality, size, and coat. Among the various breeds are the Boston Terrier, Dalmatian, Llasa Apso, Tibetan Terrier, and Standard and Miniature Poodle.

By researching breeds before you settle on one, you'll be a big step ahead in finding the dog that fits your personality and lifestyle, and you'll have a wonderful friend and companion for many years to come.

Recommended Books

Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds: Profiles of More than 150 Breeds This is an excellent, highly rated book that discusses each breed's physical and personality traits, suitability as a pet, information on each breed's vulnerability to specific health problems, longevity, exercise needs, compatibility with children, and more.

New Encyclopedia of the Dog Another great book that describes 450 different dog breeds including rare breeds and experimental breeds like the Labradoodle. Lots of photos.