Help in Choosing a Dog Breed - Picking One That's Right For You

When you finish reading this article, you will know what to look for in choosing a Dog breed that will fit you and your lifestyle. Be sure to read the article clear through to the end or you will miss some of this very helpful information.

First things first

First, you should choose a breed that compliments you and your personality. Another factor is that If your Dog is to be a family pet, make sure it gets along with children. Also, you might want to select a breed based on the type of group in which it falls.

For example, if you are you looking for a small dog - because of the size of your house or apartment -- you might choose a Pekingese, Poodle, or small terrier? Or how about something larger such as a Bulldog, Chow Chow, or Bichon Frise? No? Then maybe a Beagle, a Collie or a Basset Hound is more to your liking.

The point is that a dog's temperament does play a role in deciding what type of dog you choose. One good way to determine the dog's temperament and disposition is to get detailed information about its breed. There are many books available that can help you determine which breed of dog might fit you best. A book we like is the Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D.

Questions to Ask Yourself

In addition, you may want to ask yourself these questions before choosing a breed.

* Do you want a big dog?

* Will the dog fit in with my lifestyle?

* Would you prefer a short haired or long-haired canine - keeping in mind that a long-haired dog might require more grooming?

* What type of facial features appeal to you?

* Do you want a dog that is feisty, dependent, or one with a playful personality?

* Would you prefer a purebred show dog?

* Will your dog remain indoors or would you prefer a dog that lives mostly outside?

* Do you need a guard dog?

* How much time and attention can you devote to the dog?

* Do you want a dog that will listen to you and follows your commands?

* Would you prefer a dog that is independent and can be left alone?

* Is a mixed breed more to your liking?

Once you have answered these questions, you need to decide if you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, or buy a specific type of dog from a breeder?

If you choose to buy from a breeder

If you choose to buy from a breeder, there are certain steps you should take.

For example, let's assume you choose a Bichon Frise. They are great with children, have a playful personality, are very loving, and can readily be found online through a breeder.

Your first step will be to contact a Bichon Frise breeder to see if a dog is available. You can actually go online to check the dog's pedigree. This will give you a clear indication that there has been no cross-breeding and the dog's lineage is intact.

A Word of Warning About Pet Stores

You can also buy a dog at a pet store. However, be careful here because many pet stores have dogs that came from puppy mills and may not be purebreds and may have genetic issues such as hip dysplasia. Some pet store owners are unscrupulous and may not give you the details you need to judge the puppy's health and condition.

Spend some time with the dog

Before choosing a dog, try to spend some time with it. If you have children, bring them along so that you can watch how they interact with the dog and how the dog behaves around them. Find out as much information about the breed as you can. In this way, you can make an informed decision.

If you find a dog that totally fits your lifestyle - whether you live in a single household or family uni -- then you will feel comfortable to either adopt or purchase the dog without worrying about the future.

Douglas Hanna is a free lance writer who has written articles on a wide variety of topics, including dog flea treatment and dog flea medicine.

Miniature German Schnauzers - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a Dog can change your life. If you get a Dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all Dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have time to give a Dog the attention it requires?


• Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?


• Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?


• Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?


• Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Miniature German Schnauzer. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: Originally bred in Germany in the late 1800s, the miniature German Schnauzer is reportedly a cross between the standard schnauzer, the Affenpinscher and perhaps the poodle. It was named after the German word "schnauze," which means muzzle. It was primarily used for droving, stock tending, hunting vermin, pulling carts, guarding flocks and children and serving as watchdog, and excelled at killing rats. It was brought to America in 1925 and classified under terrier. It is currently the 10th most popular breed in America. Talents include hunting, tracking, watchdog, performing tricks and competitive obedience.

Physical Characteristics: The miniature German Schnauzer is small and squarely proportioned, with a bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows. The tail is usually docked. It has oval dark-colored eyes. The ears are V-shaped and fold forward or are cropped to stand erect. The double coat is harsh, hard and wiry with a short undercoat. Coat colors include salt and pepper, white, black or harsh black and silver outer coat with a soft undercoat. Height is 12-14 inches, and weight is 10-15 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: Mini Schnauzers are happy, affectionate, loyal and very friendly. They are intelligent, obedient and very adaptable. They are perky, bright eyed, energetic, active and playful and are good with children. This breed likes companionship and attention of its owners and is devoted to home and family. They make good companions and family pets, as well as good watchdogs and mouse catchers. They also travel well. Mini Schnauzers can be reserved with strangers but most of them love everyone.

They may develop behavioral problems such as separation anxiety, willfulness, nervousness, guarding, boldness and sometimes be temperamental if the owners do not display pack leadership. Charming and attractive, this breed has clean habits and generally does not have a doggy odor. They should not be trusted around smaller animals because of their hunting background. They are fairly easy to housebreak if trained properly.

Possible Health Conditions: Miniature German Schnauzers are usually healthy but may be prone to kidney stones, liver disease, skin disorders, Von Willebrand's disease, diabetes, cysts or hereditary eye problems. This breed tends to gain weight easily and should not be overfed. The mini Schnauzer shows no signs of age until quite late in life. Life expectancy is about 15 years.

Exercise/Grooming: Mini Schnauzers need daily, long, brisk walks. They love to play off leash. Grooming is fairly easy but the coat will become matted unless combed or brushed daily with a short wire brush, and the knots should be clipped out. The whiskers should be cleaned after meals, and the eyes and ears should be trimmed around with blunt-nose scissors. The coat should be clipped all over twice a year, spring and fall, to an even length. This breed of dog sheds little to no hair and is a good breed for allergy sufferers.

Living Conditions: This breed is good for apartment life. It is fairly active indoors and does okay without a yard.

Summary: Miniature German Schnauzers are small dogs that make good family companions, are usually fairly healthy, require little exercise and shed very little but, as with all breeds of dogs, require strong pack leadership to prevent behavioral problems and require regular grooming. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Miniature German Schnauzer the right breed for you?

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.

English Bulldogs - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

When choosing a Dog, it's important to choose the breed that's right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you're thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The English BullDog is just one breed among many from which to choose.

History/Background: The English BullDog descended from the ancient Asiatic mastiff and was brought to Europe by nomads. It was bred for bull baiting in the early 13th century. The name "bulldog" (medieval in origin) refers to the robust look of a little bull and also the power with which this dog attacked bulls in arena combat before that practice was outlawed in the 19th century. The last of the working bulldogs in England were crossed with Pug dogs to create the English Bulldog. This breed was first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Physical Characteristics: The English Bulldog has a short but wide, compact and muscular body with stocky legs and a short tail. The head is broad, with dense skin folds on the skull and forehead, and the cheeks extend to the sides of the eyes. The muzzle is short and sometimes dark, with a broad black nose and large nostrils. The upper lip is pendant and the lower jaw undershot. The eyes are very round, far apart and dark. The small, thin ears are folded back in the form of a rose. The coat is short and smooth, and the color can be red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow, washed-out red, white or any combination of these colors. The English Bulldog's height is about 12 to 16 inches, and weight is 49 to 55 pounds.

Personality/Temperament: The English Bulldog, in contrast to its aggressive and fighting ancestors, is gentle and very affectionate. It typically does not beg for attention but seeks for it, and lots of human attention is required for its happiness. It is content to lie peacefully at its owner's feet or just to be in the same room with its owner. It is sensitive to its owner's moods. This breed makes a good companion and is good with children and the elderly and also with family pets.

Although known for its courage and excellent guarding abilities, an English Bulldog does not necessarily make a good watch dog. It usually only barks when there is really a reason or sometimes if furniture has been moved or there is something new in the house. This breed of dog can be bullheaded and determined and does not give up easily. It can be dominating and needs an owner who displays strong leadership.

A young English Bulldog will be full of energy but will slow down as it gets older. Although it appears lazy, this is not really the case. It doesn't jump at every command but evaluates the command against its own priority setting to decide whether to obey the command and with what urgency. This breed snores very loudly and tends to slobber and drool. It rarely whines or complains.

Possible Health Conditions: Some of the health conditions that plague this breed of dog include breathing problems, poor eyesight, susceptibility to heat stroke in warm weather or hot rooms or cars, sensitivity to cold, skin infections and hip and knee problems. This breed also has an active digestive system. Puppies are often delivered by cesarean section because of the broad head. The life expectancy for this breed averages 8 years.

Exercise/Grooming: English Bulldogs need daily short walks but are not tolerant of excessive exercise. Some adult bulldogs would rather not exercise while others are full of energy. Grooming is fairly easy and consists of combing or brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing only when necessary. The face should be wiped with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: This breed of dog is good for apartment life, is inactive indoors and does okay without a yard. It chills easily in cold weather and has trouble cooling off in very hot weather. It should be kept indoors.

Summary: The English Bulldog needs lots of human attention and strong human leadership, is very good with children and the elderly, makes a good companion and is relatively easy to groom but doesn't typically have a lot of energy and has a shorter life expectancy than most breeds. If you are looking for these characteristics and traits in a dog and are able to fulfill its needs, then perhaps an English Bulldog is the right breed for you.

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.

Poodles - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

When choosing a Dog, it's important to choose the breed that's right for you. In order to do that, you need to know the characteristics and temperament of the breed you're thinking about adopting or purchasing before you do so. The Poodle is just one breed among many from which to choose.

The Poodle is the oldest known breed of Dog and dates back to possibly as early as AD 30. Where it was developed is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in Germany as a retriever of water fowl. The stylish clip was designed by hunters to help this breed move more efficiently through the water, and patches of hair were left to protect the joints and vital organs from the cold. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German word "pudel," which means one who plays in water. This breed of Dog has been used as a circus performer in France. It achieved popularity after World War II and was considered extremely fashionable. It was the most popular breed in America by the 1960s. Today the Poodle is primarily a show dog and companion.

Poodles come in three size varieties - Standard, Miniature and Toy. The Standard is over 15 inches in height at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 45 to 70 pounds. The Miniature is over 10 inches but less than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Toy is 10 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulders and weighs 6 to 9 pounds. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, apricot and gray but never parti-colored. Most have a dense, curly, low-shedding coat. They have no undercoat and could be considered hypoallergenic, though not completely allergen free. The coat is coarse and woolly to soft and wavy. The tails are usually docked in the US. The ears are dropped and never cropped.

Poodles are exceptionally smart, active and excel in obedience. They have an air of distinction and dignity and a keen sense for instinctual behavior. They are highly energetic and get bored fairly easily. These dogs are extremely people oriented, generally eager to please and affectionate. They are adaptable and easy to train and make excellent watchdogs. Standard Poodles, in particular, are good with children and are fairly agile and athletic. Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. This breed of dog is one of the easiest breeds to housebreak and learns more quickly than most dogs. Poodles may tend to bark a lot if not given rules. The standard variety is a bit calmer than the smaller varieties.

The most common health problems for Poodles include Addison's disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (twisted stomach), thyroid issues, tracheal collapse, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis (inflamed sebaceous glands of the skin), juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia and cancer. A minor issue includes ear infections. The life expectancy for a Standard Poodle is 11.5 to 12 years and 14 to 14.5 years for Miniature and Toy, and some Toy Poodles may live to be 17 years or more.

Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, but Poodles need a daily walk or may display behavior problems. They enjoy a good romp in a safe open area such as a fenced-in yard. Standard Poodles require more exercise than the smaller varieties. Without the proper type and amount of exercise, they may be high strung and timid.

Grooming for this breed of dog consists of brushing on a regular basis and bathing every two to three weeks, more frequently if dirty. Clipping should begin at an early age, and they should be clipped every six weeks. The ears should be cleaned and checked frequently for wax or infection. Hairs growing inside the ear canal should be pulled out. The teeth need regular scaling.

Poodles are good dogs for apartment life and do okay without a yard. They are more sedate when indoors but love to play outdoors. They need lots of activity to stimulate their mentality.

This breed of dog comes in 3 size varieties, is one of the easiest to housebreak, is people oriented and is good for those with allergies because of the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat but requires frequent grooming and proper training to ensure good behavior. If you are willing to provide proper grooming and training, then perhaps a Poodle is the right breed of dog for you.

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.

Choosing a Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Recently a friend sold her house and asked us to Dog sit her very energetic German Hunting Terrier for six months while she relocated. Regrettably we had to decline. Our small city apartment has no additional space for any living being, not even a Dog this compact in size (and I should add, very adorable). Our hesitation is more that she is a rescue dog and although she has come a long way since her initial adoption, she is still very skittish and tends to piddle in random places when nervous. But our biggest reason to believe it wouldn't work out, comes from the fact that her bark, either when she's nervous or spots potential game, can break glass. This type of behavior wouldn't fly in our quiet apartment building or neighborhood and this dog loves to bark.

My point here is that I recommend to anyone considering the addition of a canine to their family, especially if you've previously never had a dog, do some homework. We knew enough about the behavior of our friend's dog to know our small apartment isn't compatible and that this dog definitely needs a back yard. Check your local library for information on any breed you are considering. And, of course, a great resource is the Internet (some sites offer basic quizzes on the best dog breeds for you). Do some research on the breed of dog that you are considering to find out if it is compatible with your family or living space. Do you have the resources to care for the dog plus the time, determination and consistency it takes to train a puppy? And most importantly, how much exercise does the dog need daily? For example there are many dogs that need at least a good hour or two of running or walking every day which is the exact opposite to a friend's bull dog who wanted only to walk from the apartment door to the nearest tree to take care of her business and that was it.

Other Considerations

Does the breed of dog you are considering get along well with children? If you are planning to let the dog spend a lot of time in the back yard, is this a breed that loves digging? Are they easy to train? If you are choosing a puppy - how big will the dog grow (do you have the space)? Do you need a dog with hypoallergenic fur? If you still want to go the puppy route, it is advisable to get some training manuals or sign up with a local dog training class. Also is the breed you're considering prone to health problems? Regardless it's always advisable to sign up for pet insurance sooner than later because if you do run into medical issues, costs can be high.

Adopting a Rescue Dog

Although you may want a puppy because you want to be sure that you play a part in your new dog's socialization and training, don't discount the many dogs waiting to be adopted at the SPCA or other rescue organizations. Puppydom can be trying if you don't have the time and patience to train your new pet. Rescue organizations not only have animals that were strays, but also those who have lost their owners to illness, old age, divorce, etc. Adopting an adult dog from a shelter also means they've had a physical examination, their shots and have been either spayed or neutered. Plus there will no surprises in the dog's size or personality.

Read more about dog obedience classes and pet insurance by visiting: http://www.a1-dogs.com/index.htm

Chihuahua - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a Dog can change your life. If you get a Dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all Dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?


• Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?


• Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?


• Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?


• Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Chihuahua. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: The Chihuahua is said to be the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. It is native to Mexico but likely came from the ancient Techichi dogs of the Toltec, crossed with hairless dogs of the Orient. It was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from where it was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed was used in religious ceremonies and is believed to have been sacred to the pre-Columbian Indian nations. It was brought to Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Physical Characteristics: The Chi, as it is sometimes called, is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has large, round, very dark eyes and large ears. Its body is stout, and it is longer than it is tall. The tail is curled over the back or to the side. There are two varieties -- a short-haired type and a long-haired type. The various coat colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, black and tan and parti-colored. A Chihuahua weighs from 2 to 6 pounds and is 6 to 9 inches tall.

Personality/Temperament: The Chihuahua is a good companion dog with terrier-like qualities. Because of its small size, it makes a good traveler and usually loves outings. It craves attention, affection and petting and is intensely loyal, becoming very attached to its owners. It is a courageous, lively, proud and cocky little dog with a saucy expression. It moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on.

This breed may be slightly difficult to train but is intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to proper positive reinforcement training. It may require patience to housebreak. If the owner does not display strong pack leadership, this little dog can become strong willed and will develop other behavior issues such as jealousy and becoming suspicious of people other than its owner. This breed is not recommended for children as it is easily provoked to attack and may snap at them. If not walked daily, it may become yappy, protective, snappish and untrustworthy with children and people it does not know. The Chi should be socialized as a puppy to avoid excessive aggressiveness towards other dogs and being reserved with strangers.

Possible Health Conditions: The Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore because of its short nose. Its prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. It is also prone to slipped stifles (a knee injury caused by joint weakness), eye infections, gum problems, colds, stress, rheumatism, epilepsy, seizure disorder and low blood sugar. It tends to gain weight if overfed. It is vulnerable to fractures and other accidents as a puppy. This breed of dog is born with an unclosed section of skull which usually closes but can remain open throughout life and make it prone to injury. Life expectancy is about 15 or more years.

Exercise/Grooming: Although playing takes care of a lot of its exercise needs, the Chi requires a daily walk and also enjoys a good romp in an open area off leash such as a fenced-in yard.

The short-haired type should be gently brushed occasionally or wiped with a damp cloth. The long-haired type should be brushed daily with soft-bristle brush. Bathe both types only about once a month, taking care not to get water in the ears because of possibility of ear infections. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails kept trimmed. The Chihuahua is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: This little dog hates the cold and may shiver. It tolerates and even appreciates a warm sweater on cool days. It must be kept indoors and is a good dog for apartment life.

Summary: Chihuahuas make good companion dogs, travel well and require little grooming and exercise, but they may be a little difficult to housebreak and can become strong willed if not given proper pack leadership. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Chihuahua the right breed for you?

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.