All dogs are not alike.Dogs are classified into breed groups for a reason.When considering getting a dog, you need to understand the dog’s breed group, the origins of the breed, and why they were bred that way.And then more importantly, determine if this breed is a good match for you.There are 7 major breed groups: working, sporting, non-sporting, terrier, herding, hound and toy.Each breed group comes with its particular attributes that potential owners need to understand.Some attributes make the dogs very lovable, and other attributes can make the dog a very wrong choice for some lifestyles.
Sporting dogs needing to have exercise and “a job” because they are so smart and active.Retrievers, spaniels, setters and pointers are sporting dogs.
Herding dogs are much the same way.They were bred to herd animals and have a tendency to herd people too.They have great instincts and intelligence.Some of the herding dogs are the German Shepherds, Border Collies, Shelties, and Corgis. Working dogs are interesting because some need more exercise or mental activity than others.Some examples of working dogs are Rottweilers, Huskies, Newfoundlands and Boxers. Hounds have a tendency to be barkers, because they were originally bred to bark when they found their prey to alert their hunting companions.Hounds are Beagles, Dachshunds, Bassets, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.Hounds can be stubborn dogs!
Terriers are generally very confident dogs and need owners who are just as confident.If not, the dog will take over the household and be in charge.Pit Bulls, Airedales, Miniature Schnauzers, and Westies are all terriers. Non-sporting is a catch-all group which makes it very difficult to give some general guidelines of characteristics.So if you are considering a dog such as a Bichon, Dalmatian, Bulldog, or a Lhasa Apso, make sure you do your research on the particular breed characteristics. Toys are much the same, being a catch-all group for small dogs.The Miniature Poodle, Pug, Pekinese, Chihuahua, Yorkies and Maltese are all toy dogs but have very different personalities.Even though these are small dogs, many of them have “big” personalities!The Chihuahua can have a fearful disposition and sometimes can be “snappy,” whereas most Pugs are carefree and sweet. Please remember that I am talking in generalities about breed characteristics.Just like humans, dogs are individuals - a combination of their genetics and how they are raised.