Dog breeds -
let's narrow it down
When it comes to dog breeds - there's so many to choose from that it can be overwhelming! If you know that you want to buy a purebred puppy - that's a great start. But with all the different dog breeds to choose from, you're probably wondering exactly which breed of dog is the one for you. It can definitely be a challenge to make the right choice and picking the wrong puppy can make life difficult to say the least (you've maybe seen that little old lady being dragged across the park by her exuberant boxer!)
To make choosing just that little bit easier, on this page you'll find an overview of each breed category (as defined by the AKC -American Kennel Club), and a list of some of the most popular breeds included in that category. That will give you a 'jumping off' point.There are many other pages on this site that deal with specific breeds, and their suitability for certain homes/lifestyles/situations. These include :
Sporting Group
Dogs in this breed group usually love to be active. They are the ones that love to go hunting with their owners, they're often very comfortable in water and require a lot of exercise on a daily basis.
Intelligent and responsive they're usually fairly easy to train and are usually friendly and affectionate. Usually happy and likeable, but these breeds can occasionally be a bit over-energetic and highly strung.If a dog from this group appeals to you, check out these websites... The Hunting Dog.com. This website is devoted to hunting dogs of all shapes and sizes. There's tons of information and advice on choosing and caring for one of these intelligent, versatile and all-round incredible dogs. Love Springer Spaniels An online guide and community dedicated to English and Welsh Springer Spaniels, tips and advice on choosing, feeding, training and grooming Springer Spaniels to name just a few items we cover. Popular dogs in this group include - Labrador Retriever; Golden Retriever; German Shorthaired Pointer; German Wirehaired Pointer; Cocker Spaniel; Springer Spaniel; English Cocker Spaniel; Weimaraner; Vizla; Chesapeake Bay Retriever; Irish Setter.
Hound Group
This group is made up of mainly hunting dogs. It can even be divided into 2 sub-groups - Scenthounds (dog breeds that use their keen sense of smell to follow their prey) and Sighthounds (breeds that hunt by sight).This group covers a pretty diverse set of dogs, quite different in looks as well as temperament and behavior. Sighthounds are usually
quiet, elegant dogs who are fairly easy-going when not working. Scenthounds are energetic and can be pretty vocal. Both sub-groups can be strong willed, stubborn and independent.Popular dogs in this group include - Beagle; Basset Hound; Greyhound; Dachshund; Afghan Hound; Ibizan Hound; Bloodhound.
Working
The breeds in this group were all originally bred to work for, and with, humans. Often they were used as guardians and protectors of people, livestock and possessions.
Although there's a variety of different appearances and personalities, most dogs in this group are large and muscular.Loyal and intelligent dogs, they can make wonderful companions but due to their size, strength and natural tendency to guard, they definitely require early and consistent training and socialization if they are to fit into your family. Popular dogs in this group include - Akita; Bernese Mountain Dog; Dogue de Bordeaux; Rottweiler; Boxer; Great Dane; Great Pyrenees; Portuguese Water Dog; St. Bernard; Giant Schnauzer.
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about Rottweilers by visiting www.a-love-of-rottweilers.com. Rottweiler facts, Rottweiler behavior, great names for your Rottweiler, how to take care of your Rottie pup and lots more.
German Rottweiler Puppies - Find German male and female rottweiler puppies and dogs for sale online at VomfloodRottweilers.com. Some of the 'giants' of the canine world need special care, feeding and more. Check out my Extra Large Breed Dogs page for everything you need to know about adding a BIG dog to your family.
Terrier
A group of dog breeds that were originally designed to hunt and kill vermin. They can vary in size and looks but overall the terrier breeds have fairly similar personalities and characteristics.
They are all bold, feisty, high energy dogs - even the smallest of terriers thinks he's the size of a Great Dane and is eager to prove it! They can make good companions and are friendly and outgoing but tend towards being snappy with other dogs, small children and strangers. Regular training and grooming are essential.Popular dogs in this group include - Miniature Schnauzer; West Highland White Terrier; Parson Russel Terrier (also known as Jack Russell Terrier); Bull Terrier; Staffordshire Bull Terrier; Norfolk Terrier.
Herding
This group consists of dogs that were originally bred to herd livestock of all kinds. Most of these dogs are of the medium to large size (with a couple of exceptions)and have full coats.
Very quick, smart dogs they make lively, energetic companions who do great in obedience and agility. The herding instinct is very strong and if there are no sheep or cows close by they will have a tendency to herd children and other pets. Some can be nippy and stubborn at times.Popular dogs in this group include - Australian Cattle Dog; Australian Shepherd; German Shepherd; Border Collie; Pembroke Welsh Corgi; Cardigan Welsh Corgi; Old English Sheepdog; Pyrenean Shepherd; Shetland Sheepdog.
Toy
As their name suggests these dog breeds are all on the smaller end of the scale in terms of size. Their personalities however are LARGE! Bred mainly as companion dogs these breeds make great pets but can sometimes be nippy, yappy and anxious. Proper socialization and training is important even if they only weigh 2lbs. Usually happy, friendly dogs but can have a stubborn streak.
Obviously these dog breeds should be considered if you have space, $$$ or exercise limitations. Popular dogs in this group include - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; Chihuahua; Italian Greyhound; Maltese; Miniature Pinscher; Papillon; Toy Poodle; Pomeranian; Yorkshire Terrier. There are lots of different breeds that are small dogs, but not necessarily in the 'Toy' category. To learn more about small dog breeds, check out my Types of Small Dogs page.
If a Papillon is on your list of possibilities, check out Rosey Lane Kennels, a small breeder of beautiful Papillon puppies.
Get information on many breeds, and find breed-specific gifts at Dog Breeds & Dog Gifts -Everything you want to know about dog breeds and gifts for all dogs and their owners.
Non-Sporting
This is quite a diverse group! There's a wide range of breeds and lots of choices in terms of size, personality and looks.
Generally hardy and outgoing this group contains some very popular breeds as well as some that are not so well known. Not many generalizations here, look more closely at the individual dog breeds for more information.Popular dogs in this group include - Bulldog; Boston Terrier; Poodle; Shipperke; Chow Chow; Chinese Shar-Pei; Dalmation; Lhasa Apso; Finnish Spitz
English Bulldog Nation
A comprehensive website devoted to the English Bulldog. Information on Bulldog breeders, puppies, diet, health, training and much more.
Miscellaneous
This is a very small group of breeds that are not yet fully recognized by the AKC. At the moment the breeds included are -Blue Tick Coonhound; Boykin Spaniel; Cane Corso; Cesky Terrier; Entlebucher Mountain Dog; Icelandic Sheepdog; Leonberger; Norwegian Buhund; Redbone Coonhound; Treeing Walker Hound and Xoloitzcuintl
If you like big dogs, and you want the 'whole package' (beauty and brains), the Cane Corso is worth a look. ....
 Sovrana Cane Corso is a top quality, ethical Cane Corso breeder located outside of Atlanta, Georgia. All of our puppies come from champion lines and have 2 year health guarantees, vaccinations, registration, and lifetime support. Check out of page for puppy availability, photos, videos, information, and more. See www.sovranacanecorso.com formore!
It's important to take your time and do your research, when deciding which breed is the best 'fit' for you. One of these dog breed books , could be just what you need.
Choosing The Right Breed
Best Breeds For Children
Best Breeds for Families
Types of Small Dogs
List of Small Dog Breeds
Extra Large Breed Dogs
Dog Breed Facts
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
American Bulldog
Yorkshire Terrier
Beagle
Boxer
Chihuahua
Dachshund
Pomeranian Care
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Hypoallergenic Dogs
Designer Dogs
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