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The Hound Heaven focuses on all things related to man's best friend. Dog breeds, nutrition, health, gear and of course hilarious puppers!
The Hound Heaven focuses on all things related to man's best friend. Dog breeds, nutrition, health, gear and of course hilarious puppers!
Best Dog Breeds
Find below a few tips when choosing the right dog breed.
Choosing the right dog breeds for you and your family can be an exhausting task. It can take days to trawl through all of the information necessary to narrow your options down to a few breeds to choose from. That is, assuming you know where to start when choosing the right dog breed for you and your family in the first place. It can be difficult to know where to start, but with these tips, you will have a definitive starting point and a quick and simple task to complete!
1. Assess your home and family - You must start from the very beginning when choosing the right dog breed for you and your family, and your own home is as good a place as any to start. How big is it? How big is the yard? Do you have children? Are you out of the home quite a lot? All of these questions need answering and only then can you begin our search for the perfect dog breed.
2. Ask what you are looking for in a dog - It is essential that you know what you are looking for when choosing the right dog breed for you and your family. Do you want a gentle family pet? Would you be willing to go to a shelter? Do you want a playful breed or a more sedate one? Pair this information up with the answers to your first question and you can then begin to look at breeds.
3. Look on a comprehensive dog website - You do not need to go to many different resources until you have basic information on one or two breeds. Use a comprehensive site to cross-reference your answers to the above two points and list three or four breeds. Then you can look into the breeds in depth but get a good idea of where you are going when choosing the right dog breed for you and your family first!
Are you ready?
There are several things that you need to consider before you even think of getting a dog. Choosing the best dog breed for your family has to have a lot of thought put into it. Please have a look at some very good pointers that will clear that last doubt in your mind if you should get a dog for your family.
While it is wonderful to involve children in caring for a pet, it is unlikely and unfair to expect a child to make such a commitment. Once the novelty wears off, the responsibility will be put on the adults.
Dogs don't "need" another canine companion.
While most dogs enjoy the companionship of other dogs, they don't require it. And, if you don't have enough time for one dog, you won't have time for two! There is also no guarantee that they WILL get along.
Getting a dog on impulse is risky.
If you feel sorry for the dog, didn't plan on stopping at the pet store or simply couldn't resist, you may be off to a bad start. Make your decision carefully, as a dog is a commitment that lasts a lifetime.
Different Breeds of Dogs
Through our long association with the dog, we have initiated almost every change imaginable. Some of these changes have been selected through necessity, such as to help man with certain type of work, others purely in the interest of fashion and style. Some are of benefit to the dog, some are certainly not. The English Kennel Club has divided dogs into several different groups.
The Pastoral Group - This includes the herding dogs, bred to help man control and look after stock. These dogs are generally active, playful, like to chase and are relatively easy to train for the work they are asked to undertake. Some examples - German Shepherd
The Gundog Group - Originally bred to find and retrieve game, this group includes the retrievers, setters and spaniels. They are bred to work closely with man to be sociable and, usually, to have a good retrieving instinct. Some examples - Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever
The Terrier Group - These dogs were originally bred to do a job that normally involved killing. Therefore, they are often more independent, and extremely brave and tough. When a dog is down a hole he has to make his own decisions, not wait to be told. Selective breeding has meant that most terriers are good pets with strong characters. Some examples - Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier
The Toy Dog Group - Most dogs in this group were bred to be companions or lap dogs. They are generally friendly and make affectionate pets. Some examples - Yorkshire Terrier
The Working Group - Many of these dogs were originally bred to guard and search, perhaps developed to protect man or livestock. There are also dogs developed to pull carts, boats or sleighs, as to search and rescue. Some examples - Boxer, Rottweiler, Doberman
The Hound Group - This includes the dogs who hunt by sight and those who use their sense of smell. Many of these dogs have been bred to hunt in packs, and these breeds in particular are very independent and often like to run and do their own thing. Some examples - English Foxhound
The Utility Group - These are breeds that do not fit into any of the other categories. All have been bred for some other purpose, but these vary considerably and therefore the dogs within this group are extremely varied. These groups don't cover all dogs. There are other types that are not officially recognised by the English Kennel Club at this time.
Comparing Popular Dog Breeds - Adopting the Right Pet
When finding a pet it is important to do the necessary research to ensure you find a good match. Different breeds are different temperaments and characteristics. Some dogs do well with children while others may be aggressive towards young kids. Here we have outlined a few common dog breeds to help you find the pet that is right for you and your family.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a German breed that originated sometime in the late 19th century. It is suspected that this breed developed by crossing the Rottweiler, a Black and Tan Terrier, and a short-haired shepherd. This breed was developed as a guard dog. Today this breed is still used as a guard dog, however, they are also used for a companion dog, a guard dog, a watchdog, a defense dog, and a family dog.
This breed is very loyal and protective, however, they can be a bit too aggressive for some families, the elderly, and for the handicapped. If you plan on adding a Doberman Pinscher to your family you will want to make sure that both the dog and your family goes through proper obedience training. This will help you to maintain the dominant position in the household and prevent the dog from becoming overly aggressive with your family members.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British breed that originated from the King Charles Spaniel breed. The British breeders achieved a longer face and a heavier build by crossing the King Charles Spaniel with a Cocker Spaniel. The resulting dog breed stands between 12 and 13 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 18 pounds. They come in a variety of color combinations including black and tan, ruby and white and Blenheim (chestnut and white and tan.)
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky, also called the Arctic Husky, is a Russian breed that was developed as a sled dog. They are a working dog that requires both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy, healthy, and out of trouble. They are a medium sized dog that stands between 20 and 23.5 inches tall and they weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. They have a medium length thick coat that has a double layer. The outer layer is straight and smooth and the undercoat is dense and downy. They have a lot of color variations. However, having a white base with grey or red markings on their backs, around their eyes, and on their foreheads, is common.
Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound, also referred to as the American Black and Tan Coonhound, is an American hunting dog breed. It is suspected that this breed originated when the Bloodhound, the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound were crossed. This dog usually stands between 23 and 27 inches tall, and it usually weighs in between 55 and 75 pounds. They have a dense coat of short hair that is black and tan.
Papillon
The Papillon, also referred to as the Epagneul Nain and the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a toy breed that originated in France. This breed can be traced back to at least the 14th century. Today this breed is exclusively used as a pet.
The Papillon is a toy breed that stands between 8 and 11 inches tall and weighs between 3 and 9 pounds. They have no undercoat and their overcoat is long and silky. They come is several color combinations including lemon and white, white and red, chestnuts, mahoganies, black and white, and tricolored.
Collie
The Collie, also referred to as the Scottish Collie, is a Scottish breed that was developed as a sheepdog. They come in two varieties, rough and smooth. The Smooth Coated Collie has a medium length coat that is soft and dense. The Rough Coated Collie has short hair that is smooth. Both variations come in colors of blue merle, sable and white, and tri colored. This is a medium sized dog that typically stands between 22 and 26 inches tall.
Pug
The Pug, also called Mops or Carlin, is a toy breed that originated in China somewhere around 400 B.C. This small dog stands between 10 and 11 inches and weighs between 13 and 18 pounds. They have a short, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors including fawn, black, silver and apricot. It is not uncommon for the Pug to also have a black face or muzzle mask. This is a healthy breed, but they are known for having problems with epilepsy.
What Are Mixed Dog Breeds?
Before we start let me just declare my view which is that a mixed dog breeds can be a wonderful addition to a family. They typically cost much less than the purebreds, and they are usually unique and delightful dogs.
A mixed breed dog is what is commonly known as the mongrel, mutt, or sometimes and rather unkindly I have to say "the Heinz 57". The mutt is in fact a mixture of several dogs and qualifies when bred with more than 2 different breeds in it, otherwise they are called cross-breeds. If you are wondering whether your dog is a purebred you can work on the basis that unless the dog has registration papers, it is safe to assume that the dog is a mixed breed. Even mixed breeds can closely resemble a purebred.
So, it follows that mixed-breed dogs vary enormously in size, shape, color and personality, making them almost impossible to classify physically. Historically, all purebred dogs have been selected from a mixed-breed population way back in time!
As we have just said mixed-breed dogs can be any size, weight, or colour, but some colors are more common than others. No matter what their parents' colors were, mixed breeds are often a light-to-medium brown or black, frequently with a white chest and other white markings. Mixed-breed dogs, however, don't classify except according to height; there is tremendous variation in physical traits such as coat, skeletal structure, gait, ear set, eye shape and color, and so on. When conformation standards are applied to mixed-breed dogs, such as in events run by the MBDCA, the standards are usually general traits of health, soundness of nature, symmetry, and personality.
Anyone who appreciates how genetics works will understand that mixed-breed dogs are more genetically diverse than their pure bred cousins, due to the more haphazard nature of their parents' mating. Happily also, as would have been predicted by Darwin, he offspring of such matings are less likely to express certain genetic disorders because there is a decreased chance that both parents carry the same detrimental recessive alleles.
Purebred dogs are those dogs which are the recognized breeds of the national kennel clubs (for example the American Kennel Club, and the UK Kennel Club), and are of course, more predictable as their personality traits and health issues are more predictable and for certain breeds which have developed a bad reputation are well known.
Purebreds may be less hardy than mixed breeds, both physically and often emotionally, as a result of inbreeding. Inbreeding has become a big issue especially in the UK where Crufts will not be screened by the BBC this year due to a feeling that not all that absolutely could be done to preserve and enhance pure bred genes is being done by the UK Kennel Club.
Purebred dogs will also have to some extent a predictable temperament, if you are looking for a friendly dog with lots of energy then choose a breed which is known for this character trait. That had to be by far the best way to buy a puppy which will result in an adult dog with those traits.
The Most Common Dog Breeds - What Makes Them Such Good Companions
Selecting a great dog companion is highly dependent on your dog's breed. If you choose a breed that is not compatible with your personality, there is a higher chance that you might end up having a dog that makes you unhappy (to say the least).
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Of course, this is not your dog's fault; after all, you chose him. So what should you know about the common dog breeds - and how would you know if they make a good companion for you or not?
The list below will help you decide:
1. Labrador Retriever - It is the most popular dog breed in the U.S. Friendly, sociable and affectionate are the most apt descriptions for this breed. Labrador Retrievers are the perfect breed for couples who have children in their household. They would need larger living spaces, and are not too cumbersome in terms of grooming.
2. Golden Retriever - Also known as the Labrador Retriever's cousin, a Golden Retriever is a highly intelligent dog breed. This breed also loves to be around with people especially children and is characterized by its gentle nature. This dog breed however, can be prone to obesity so be extremely careful of your dog's diet.
3. Poodle - Unbeknown to some, poodles are the 2nd most intelligent dog breed. So if you want a highly trainable dog, a poodle's perfect for you. But remember, taking care of a poodle will take a lot of your time because you have to groom him regularly which means added expense on your part as well as time.
4. Yorkshire Terrier - This toy dog, aka 'Yorkie', is very small in size and it can even fit in your bag! Although it's very small, this breed is very active and can easily tire you out if you cannot keep up. Same as with poodles, Yorkies are high-maintenance dogs because you have to constantly groom its long and luxurious coat. Although Yorkies look very fragile, they can be very aggressive if provoked so this breed is suitable for pet owners who don't have any children at home.
5. Chihuahua - This breed looks very frail, in fact the smallest breed in the world, but watch out, looks can be very deceiving. Chihuahuas are known for their courageousness and protective nature, which is definitely a red flag for families who have children in their household. This dog breed can be perfect for people with smaller living spaces.
6. Beagle - Beagles are even-tempered and gentle, but can also be stubborn. They're not easily trainable so it might take time to housetrain a beagle. However, they're one of the friendliest breeds that's why large families tend to choose a beagle over other dog breeds.
7. Shih-Tzu - Arguably the most popular breed in most show dog competitions, Shih Tzus are known for their independent nature, which can be mistaken for arrogance. If you want a dog that can be left alone, Shih Tzus are right for you. But because of its appearance, you have to buy a lot dog grooming materials to keep his coat clean.
Knowing the personality of the most common dog breeds is your first step to having a peaceful and long-lasting relationship with your dog. Once you've established which dog breed fits your lifestyle and personality, it'd be much easier to narrow down.
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