Different Dogs, Different Breeds

Pets play a huge part of our lives. At different times of our lives my husband and I have experienced the joys of having a cat. Recently we have fallen in-love with our daughter and son-in-law’s Siberian Husky. Now, I guess you could say “move over cats, dogs are special too!” Here I have listed the different dog breeds and their characteristics. rnToys rnThe Toy dog is defined as being under 20 pounds. Besides being lap dogs, many are smart, stubborn, and rule the roost. They make excellent pets for apartment dwellers and seniors as they can get plenty of exercise indoors. They are affectionate and people oriented dogs. The Pugs and (smooth-coated variety) Chihuahuas are easy to groom, whereas the Yorkshire terrier, Maltese, and the Shih Tzu are high maintenance dogs. The Pomeranian is a breed that sheds a rnlot. The breeds include Toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Havanese, Maltese, Papillons, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire terriers. rnSporting Dogs rnSporting dogs are the larger dogs that need lots of exercise but make great companions. These dogs are the ones you take hunting with you. Breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Irish Setters, Brittanys, American Water Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and German Shorthaired Pointers. These dogs are great family dogs, smart, and affectionate. The Cocker Spaniel is a high maintenance dog as in many trips to the groomers. The English Springer Spaniel is one that has been a winning show dog. rnNon Sporting Dogs rnThis group varies in size from very small to very large. Personalities vary as well. There are breeds who are very lovable and those which only love their owner. There are differences in their looks also. There are coated breeds and there are smooth breeds. Colors have a wide variety as well; from the black and white of the Boston terrier to the wide variety of colors in the Lowchen. As far as grooming goes the poodle is a high maintenance dog; and the French bulldog and Dalmatian are some of the wash-and-wear dogs. Some of the other breeds in the non sporting group is the Keeshond, Bulldog, Schipperke, Lhasa apso, and the Tibetan terrier. rnHound Dogs rnThe Hound group can be broken up into two types: scent hounds and sight hounds. rnScent hounds rnThese dogs hunt by smell, not sight. The scent hounds, such as the Beagle and the Fox hounds, run with their nose to the ground to follow an animal’s scent. Their size ranges from medium to large. Breeds include Bloodhounds, Beagles, Coonhounds, Dachshunds, Foxhounds, Harriers, Petit Basset Griffons Vendeens, and the Otterhounds. rnSight hounds rnSight hounds are dogs who hunt on instinct when they see prey moving; then, by using their speed they overtake their prey. They have a wide size range; from toy to giant. Sight hounds are very fast runners. As for grooming goes the Greyhound is a wash-in-wear dog. Breeds include Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Basenjis, Borzois, Irish Wolfhounds, Lurchers, Salukis, and the Scottish Deerhound. rnHerding Group rnHistorically, these hardy dogs are used to keep grazing cattle and sheep from straying, and to protect the livestock from wolves. Many of these breeds are still popular as farm animals. Most of these dogs have long hair, long ears, and short legs. Size ranges from medium to giant. They are intelligent, eager to please, loyal, and affectionate, but need enough exercise. Some in this group that are high maintenance are the rough-coated Collie, Old English Sheepdog, and the Briard. Breeds also include the Australian shepherds, Australian cattle dog, Border collie, German shepherd, Shetland and Belgian sheepdogs, and the Polish Lowland. rnWorking Group rnThese dogs serve people in various ways. For example, Doberman Pinschers and Mastiffs make excellent guard and police dogs. The Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and Siberian huskies pull sleds, and St. Bernards and Newfoundlands were bred for rescue work. They are usually large, strong dogs, and need significant exercise. The Boxers and Rottweilers are easy to groom, but the Siberian husky, Alaskan Malamute, and the Samoyed shed a lot. Other breeds include the Great Danes, Akitas, giant and standard Schnauzers, Rottweilers, and the St. Bernards. rnTerriers rnTerriers were originally bred to drive game out of holes in the ground. The majority of terriers have a wiry coat and a bushy beard. Terriers make fearless watchdogs. They also help people by killing mice, rats, and other pests. Busy, feisty, and active; many terriers are the canine version of hyperactive children, so they need a lot of exercise. Breeds include Cairn terriers, Irish terriers, Kerry blue terriers, Miniature schnauzers, Scottish terriers, soft coated Wheaten terriers, and the West Highland White terriers.