Good Dog Breeds - Which Ones Make the Best Pets?

Which are good dog breeds to have as pets, and which are bad dog breeds to avoid having as pets? Some dogs are more suitable to have as pets, particularly if you have young children. All dog lovers have their favourite, and all for different reasons. For example, some people believe that the Husky is an ideal pet, as long as it is trained properly. Some people believe that a Yorkie can be more trouble than they are worth.

Dog breeds rise and fall in popularity for many reasons. Even movies featuring dogs can change people's perceptions of that particular dog type. Sometimes, people can be swayed by what dogs are winning in major dog shows. But despite all this, there are still favourite breeds which remain the choice for many people. This includes: the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Poodle, and the Beagle.

In addition to this, there are mixed breeds which are popular. Popular mixed breeds include: the Puggle (a mixture of Beagle and Pug), the Labradoodle (a mixture of Poodle and Labrador), and the Cockapoo (a mixture of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel). These are not registered breeds, but even so, many people do like them.

Beyond all that though, the most ideal dog is whatever you personally are happy with, whatever best suits your lifestyle. If you need a guard dog, then something aggressive such as an Alsatian or Pit Bull Terrier would be ideal. But if you want a friendly family dog, then a Golden Retriever is the more obvious choice.

Mixed Dog Breeds versus Purebreds: Which is Right for You?

You hear a lot about the merits of getting a purebred dog-and I have one myself-but have you considered a mixed breed dog? There are advantages to both, and a few cautions to keep in mind, as you decide what type of dog to get.

Mixed breed dogs, lovingly known as "mutts," are just as affectionate and loyal as purebred dogs. The main differences are predictability and cost. When you buy a purebred dog, you know what you are getting in terms of size, looks, temperament, and potential health concerns. For example, if you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you know it will grow to be about 65-100 pounds, have a thick, medium-length coat, that it will shed a lot, and that it will probably not be good around strangers. You would know this because that's the breed's profile. When looking for a purebred dog it is critical that you research breeders carefully and meet your puppy's parents so you know that they conform to the breed's profile, including temperament.

When you get a mixed breed, you may not know exactly how big he is going to get or his personality and temperament. Even if you've been told your puppy is part Springer Spaniel and part Australian Shepherd, chances are the parent dogs were not purebred either and have other breeds in their mix. Therefore you can't count on your puppy growing up to look and behave like its parents. Further, non-purebred mixed breeds dogs tend to have a more middle-of-the-road temperament than purebreds because they are not genetically programmed to be a certain way. For example, the profile of a Chihuahua says the breed is highly companionable but temperamental and tends to be a one-person dog. The profile of a Jack Russell indicates the breed is high spirited, stubborn and needs firm training.

Getting a mixed breed often means a big cost savings, because purebreds tend to expensive to purchase (unless you get a purebred rescue dog). When you buy a purebred dog, such as a Border Collie, you would likely buy it from a reputable breeder who needs to cover his costs for breeding, kenneling, feeding, medical expenses, etc. Some breeds are more expensive than others and a purebred puppy can cost over $1000. Mixed breeds are often found through the newspaper classified ads, often for free, and at shelters. At shelters, you usually pay an adoption fee to cover the cost of housing the dog and spaying or neutering the pet. Usually these are nominal fees, very likely under $100. The added benefit is that by getting dog from a shelter you may well be saving its life.

Purebred dogs are often prone to medical conditions such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and skin conditions. This is because of a limited gene pool. To keep the breed pure, the same set of genes is reproduced over and over for years, and this can result in health problems. Genetic defects and health problems can literally get bred into dogs. When you get a mixed breed (non-purebred), you may not have to worry so much about potential health issues because a mixed breed, being a combination of several breeds, may not be predisposed to certain conditions that are "bred" into purebreds. Mixed breed dogs may be more healthy and vigorous because they have a genetic diversity.

No matter what type of dog you choose, mixed breed or pure, he will need plenty of love, training, and exercise, the key components of a happy, well-adjusted, well-behaved dog.

Which Dog Breed Will You Choose?

You have decided that it is time to get a dog. But there are many dog breeds to choose from and like us humans have their good and not so good points. You need to look at your lifestyle to determine the best fit for your situation. After all, you want it to be a pleasant experience for you, any family you have and the dog.

You should consider the following:

1. Will the dog be purebred or a mixed breed animal?

You could consider going to the animal shelter to check out some mixed breed dogs. This would save a dog from being euthanised and you lots of money, especially for a pure bred. dog.

2. The size of your home.

You need to think about the space available inside and outside your home for the new dog. The space available will determine the size of dog you should have. If you have a big space you could consider a Labrador, Mastiff or a Saint Bernard.

3. How much energy do you and family have to spend with the dog?

Is the dog going to be a jogging or walking partner? Choose something like a smaller Jack Russell Terrier or a larger labrador which are upbeat, energetic breeds. If you like to go to the river or lake to fish or swim for the day then you could consider dogs like the labradors or spaniel breeds which come in a variety of colours and sizes and would enjoy the water to join in your fun. But you do not want them to become bored, as they could become destructive. Are you social? If you like to go out a lot then you may have to consider a dog which does not mind being left alone at times. You need to remember that dogs need interaction and if you have little time you may need to consider another pet.

4. Family Makeup:

Do you have young children? Choose a sturdy, well mannered, easily trained and less likely to bite kind of dog like the pug, puggle, golden retriever and cocker spaniel. You probably would not like dainty, yappy dogs that tend to bite; or higher maintenance dogs like the poodle, Pomeranian and Shiz Tu as they require a lot of grooming and need to clipping frequently. If you have a new born child then it might not be a good time to consider getting a puppy as you will be busy enough without having to worry about training a puppy. You need to train puppies properly so they don't end up poorly behaved.

5. General Temperament of the Breed and Individual Needs:

There are various features to look out for. This can include the following:

Grooming: Some dogs require minimal grooming while other dogs require a lot eg Afghans, Poodles

Shedders: Some dogs shed more than others but can be minimized with frequent brushing. Some dogs even let you run the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner over them.

Energetic Dogs: Need energetic families.

Laid Back Dogs: Need laid back owners.

Cuddly Dog: Choose a good natured dog like a Scotty

What you need to do is find out all the information you can on any breed you are interested in and see if they fit into your lifestyle. It is a long term commitment after all, so you need to make the right decision. But remember that there can be variations within the same breed. Do not get stuck up on the accepted stereotype of the breed. When you have picked your doggy pet make sure you and all the family members interact with it to make sure that everyone is completely happy. You do not have to purchase if it does not work.

Now that you have an idea of what to consider when deciding upon your lifelong doggy friend, which dog breed will you choose?

If you are serious about owning a puppy or a dog then once you have chosen your four legged friend then you will need to feed it. Take a Look Here for information.

If you are thinking a dog would be a great pet to own but are open to other pet options, then take a Look Here