When it comes to opinions on dogs, people do not mess around. A person is either very much a dog person, or definitely not a dog person. Everyone has their favorite breed, and most will be quick to tell you where they stand on their preference of size for a dog. The size preference might be given away, for example, if you hear someone refer to a small dog as a loud, yappy ankle biter. But many professional dog trainers will tell you that despite the various types of breeds and sizes and temperaments, much of the dog’s behavior will mirror both their puppy training and their owners.
Why a dog trainer is crucial for your puppy
Most dogs are capable of picking up basic commands and behavior expectations. But if you decide to forgo the dog obedience training classes, you just might be sorry later on, when your dog starts to revert to natural behaviors that do not mesh well within your household, or when your dog decides that it is time to show who is the alpha around here. Having a dog trainer will not only instill the appropriate behaviors and understanding in your dog so that it will easily integrate into your home and your family, but that dog trainer will be able to teach you as well! Continuing and upholding the training that your pup learned in the beginning will provide more structure and less confusion for your beloved canine.
Deciding on the most delightful dog for you
Part of the process of welcoming a new furry friend into your home is deciding which type of dog will best fit your lifestyle, home, and family. Many people find love with a mixed breed dog that has no clear classification, and others tend to lean towards a specific breed. Adopting from shelters is always the best way to go, as you could literally be saving a life. And if you do have a breed in mind, you could very well find that very one in your local shelter, as about one third of the poor pups that end up at animal shelters are in fact purebred dogs.
And if you are not quite sure which breed (or mix of breeds) you would be most interested in, consider that the top five most popular breeds within the United States are the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Beagle, and the Dachshund. Apparently Americans are fond of the sporting, herding, and hound groups, as that is where the top five fall. There are eight official classes altogether, each with multiple types of dogs.
- The eight classifications of dog breeds
- Sporting
This class contains the beloved Labrador and Golden Retrievers, as well as setters, pointers and spaniels, all known for being adept at getting around the woods, water, and field, and are often used for hunting. - Hound
In this category you will find those precious Beagles and Dachshunds, as well just about any other dog you can think of with the word “hound” in its name, such as the Greyhound and Basset hound. These dogs are as fiercely loyal as they are independent. - Herding
This relatively new category is where the popular German Shepherd can be found, along with many other shepherds and sheep dogs, known of course for the ability to keep groups of animals — or children! — where they need to be. - Working
Intelligent dogs like the Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, and Siberian Husky are known for pulling sleds, guarding, and performing rescues. - Terrier
From Irish and Airedale to Border and Bull, these dogs don’t usually do well with other animals and are known for being very spirited. - Toy
These are the little ones, the Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher, or Maltese you’ll go for if you like the size of cats but the personality of dogs. - Non-sporting
This is a varied group of dogs that didn’t quite fit elsewhere. Ranging from Dalmatian to Poodle, these dogs have a wide variety of characteristics. - Miscellaneous
These dogs are those from all over that are not yet recognized in a particular group but are considered to be purebred, but that might not sound too familiar, like the Azawakh and Norrbottenspets!
Your options are numerous for a new companion. Just do your research for happiest results!
