| As you begin your search for a dog, you are | | | | Bernese Mountain Dog; guard dogs including the |
| probably asking yourself, "What type of dog would | | | | Bullmastiff, Rottweiler and Akita; and rescue/water |
| be best for me?" Dogs come in many different sizes, | | | | dogs such as the Newfoundland and Saint Bernard. |
| colors, coats, and personalities. Start your dog | | | | Herding Group |
| ownership off on the right foot by doing your | | | | Dogs in the herding group were, you've guessed it, |
| research before you settle on a breed. | | | | bred to herd. They are lively, agile, alert, respond well |
| While there are around 400 recognized breeds, the | | | | to training, and make great pets. They love lots of |
| best place to start is by looking at the approx. 155 | | | | exercise and if they can't find a sheep to herd they |
| breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, | | | | will happily (and gently) herd their owners or children. |
| broken down into seven broad categories. Within | | | | Herding dog include the Australian Shepherd, Border |
| each breed category are subgroups. | | | | Collie, German Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, |
| Sporting Group | | | | Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. |
| Sporting dogs were originally bred to help man hunt | | | | Non-Sporting Group |
| birds by retrieving the birds from water or bushes. | | | | Originally many of these dogs were working dogs, |
| Nature has conditioned them to retrieve; they also | | | | but these days they are mainly companions. These |
| love fetching balls and newspapers, and they make | | | | breeds vary widely in size, coat, temperament, and |
| great companions. Members of the Sporting Group | | | | personality. Among the diverse breeds are the Bichon |
| include retrievers, pointers, setters, and spaniels. A | | | | Frise, Chow Chow, French Bulldog, Keeshond, Poodle, |
| naturally active breed, regular brisk exercise is a must | | | | and Schipperke. |
| with these dogs to avoid excessive chewing, jumping | | | | Terrier Group |
| and barking. | | | | Terriers are a determined bunch, and original bred as |
| Hound Group | | | | either vermin hunters or fighting breeds. Vermin |
| Hounds were originally bred for hunting. There are | | | | hunters are lively, independent and do best on a leash |
| three main subgroups: scent hounds, sighthounds, and | | | | when outdoors. Terriers can become barkers or |
| large game hounds. Sighthounds make gentle pets, | | | | chewers if not properly trained, and sometimes can |
| but they love to run after fast-moving targets. They | | | | get aggressive over food or toys. The fighter group |
| include the Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, and Whippet. | | | | includes the Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire |
| Scent hounds follow their nose and it can be difficult | | | | Terrier. They can make good pets if properly trained |
| to get their attention when they are on the trail of | | | | and socialized, but without training they can be a |
| something. They are sweet, loving, and make good | | | | possible danger to people and other dogs. |
| companions. Among them are the Beagle and | | | | Toy Group |
| Bloodhound. Large game hounds like the Rhodesian | | | | The Toy breeds are very small, playful, devoted to |
| Ridgeback were bred to hunt lions, elk and other | | | | their owners, and love and demand attention. Their |
| game. They are powerful, fearless and make good | | | | main purpose is to be adorable and they are terrific |
| watch dogs. | | | | lapdog. They need less exercise than other breeds |
| Working Group | | | | and do well in apartments or other small quarters, |
| The breeds in this group were bred to help man. | | | | and are a good choice for older people. Some, |
| Their jobs range from rescue to sledding and | | | | however, may bark or snap if they are not trained. |
| guarding. They are intelligent, learn quickly, and make | | | | Toy Breeds include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, |
| good companions. However, most of them are very | | | | Chihuahua, Maltese, Pekinese, Pug, and Toy Poodle. |
| large, strong dogs and they may not be suitable for | | | | By doing your research before you choose a breed, |
| families with young children. Proper training is very | | | | you'll be a big step ahead in finding the dog that fits |
| important with these breeds. Among the breeds are | | | | your personality and lifestyle, and you'll have a great |
| sled dogs like the Siberian Husky and Samoyed; draft | | | | companion for years to come. |
| dogs that were bred to pull heavy loads like the | | | | |