| Breeds of dog differ in many ways: body size - | | | | breed that may pull your arm out when walking. |
| Chihuahua to Bernese Mountain Dog. They differ in | | | | The size of a dog needs to be considered. If you |
| proportion like the Pit Bull to the Greyhound. They | | | | have a huge dog and a small kid, they could bump |
| differ in head shape, ear shape, coat length and | | | | heads and the child get hurt and that being no fault |
| texture and in colour. Get a book and study a list dog | | | | of the dog. |
| breeds. | | | | Choosing a breed entails more than looking at |
| Much of their physical traits matched the need for | | | | pictures. Check out the breed profile. Talk with |
| the function of the original breed. Do not rely only on | | | | owners of the same breed in the same |
| the dog breed pictures. There are many directories | | | | circumstances as you. Meet some "live" dogs of the |
| of breeds of dogs. Buy one, or go to the library and | | | | kind you are looking at. |
| borrow one. | | | | Study the history of the breed. It will show you |
| Today, behavior is even more important. | | | | what molded that breed to be what it is today. For |
| Too often prospective dog owners select a breed | | | | instance, an old breed of dog that was bread to dig |
| based on its physical trait and not its character. | | | | out vermin will end up digging up your yard...it is in the |
| The toughest guard dog is of no using if it falls | | | | genes! |
| asleep at the front door. Dogs enjoy as many breed | | | | A sheep herder may end up nipping a little in the |
| behavioral traits as they do physical traits. Don't be | | | | heels. |
| surprised by this. | | | | Also, check into the more modern breeds. There are |
| Dogs are prone to act in certain ways that are | | | | some amazing new "oodle" dog breeds. These new |
| dictated by their genes. Not all dogs will act the same | | | | "oodle" dogs are great for dog allergy sufferers. |
| within a breed, but most will. | | | | Make sure your energy levels match. |
| There is one behavioral trait that is present in all | | | | And all that being said. Look for the surprises. For |
| dogs. Their love towards their owner/master. | | | | instance, the greyhound race dogs make amazing |
| You need to first analyze why you want a dog, | | | | pets for seniors, or those who do not partake in lots |
| before you select a dog. If you have kids you need | | | | of activity. They make great apartment dogs. They |
| to find out the breed that is good with kids. But, do | | | | love to sleep in the day, often curled up on a couch |
| not forget, you also need to teach your kids how to | | | | or pillow. They do NOT crave activity or exercise. |
| behave with a dog. A dog is NOT a stuffed | | | | They are trained to perfection and they are loving |
| emotionless toy. It is a living creature with emotions. | | | | dogs. Go figure. Just when we think we have it all |
| Also, please, do not make kids take responsibility for | | | | figured out. |
| a dog. It is an adult job to do that. | | | | So you see, do not just run out and get a dog. Get |
| If you are basically older in years, well you will not | | | | the right dog for your household. Train that dog and |
| want a breed that needs lots of exercise. Or, a | | | | you will have a friend and family member for life. |