Every year, thousands of dogs are turned over to animal shelters because they were given as a gift without first consulting the gift recipient – or people discover they brought home a biter, barker, digger, or jumper. When pets are given away, the pets, their owners and children all suffer. So before selecting your dog, do your homework. With a little pre-planning, you can find the dog that most closely fits your's or your gift recipient’s lifestyle.
Variety of Dog, Variety of Nuisances
Dogs can create many nuisances. Some of these are more common in particular breeds. A barking dog helps protect against intruders. But excessive barking can become a problem. Some breeds known for their barking include the American Water Spaniel, Bassett Hound, Finnish Spitz, Fox and other terriers, Great Pyrenees and Miniature Schnauzer.
A playful, energetic puppy can make a great playmate. But as your puppy grows, that hyperactivity could become overwhelming. High-strung dogs often jump on people and tear through the house. Certain breeds tend to maintain that high energy level well into their adult size bodies. Such breeds include Airedale Terriers, Boxer, Brittany, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Setter, Jack Russell Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Pointer and Schnauzer.
Dogs dig for many reasons—to bury a bone, to escape from a fenced yard, to keep cool, or out of boredom. A torn-up yard can be the last straw for many dog owners. The following breeds tend to be diggers: Fox Terriers, Norwich Terrier and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.
Dogs can be aggressive for a variety of reasons. Poor breeding, physical abuse, and even disease can cause aggression in a dog. Certain dominant breeds can also tend toward aggressiveness if not handled by a firm and skilled handler. Choose these dogs with caution and the understanding they require strong leadership: Akita, American Pit Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Schnauzer and Shih Tzu.
Grooming is another consideration. While it may sound painless, the upkeep of certain breeds can be overwhelming. In addition to keeping claws trimmed and an occasional bath, some dogs require lengthy daily brushing to remove tangles or trapped fur in double coats. High-maintenance breeds include the American Eskimo, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Great Pyrenees, Lhasa Apso, Old English Sheepdog and Poodle.
Traits to Look For in a Family Dog
If you have kids, many unforeseen problems are avoidable by finding a dog that'll be easy for your child to handle so your child can assist in training. Easy trainers include American Water Spaniel, Australian Shepherd, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Setter, Italian Greyhound, Maltese and Shetland Sheepdog.
Calm, gentle breeds are essential for families with small children. Keep in mind size alone doesn't dictate these traits. Gentle breeds you might consider are Bassett Hound, Beagle, Bearded Collie, Chinese Crested, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland and Mastiff.
Playful and energetic puppies work well for older children who won’t feel threatened by the dog’s full-grown size. Consider an American Eskimo, Bloodhound, Brittany, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Irish Wolfhound, Labrador Retriever, Pointer, Poodle, Saint Bernard or Schnauzer.
There are many other traits to consider in choosing a new dog. Before bringing home your puppy, read a book or articles about the breed that interests you to determine if it will fit your family’s lifestyle. For personalized assistance in choosing a breed, go to SelectSmart.com/DOG/ or one of the many other breed selection sites. You’ll be guided through a series of questions and receive a free personalized list of matches.
