Selecting the Right Dog Breed for Your Family and Lifestyle

It's important to do your research before decidingcombinations that are typically associated with this
to adopt a dog. Different breeds have differentbreed include white and chestnut, gray and
temperaments and qualities. Here we havechestnut, and pure white.
outlined some common dog breeds to help youBriard
select the right dog.The Briard, also referred to as the Berger de
Old English SheepdogBrie, is a French breed that was originally bred
The Old English Sheepdog, nicknames Bobtail, is aover 1,000 years ago as shepherd. They are a
British breed that belongs to the herding group ofgood sized dog that usually stands between 23
dogs. They are a large breed that standsand 27 inches tall, and they usually weigh about 75
between 22 and 24 inches tall and they usuallypounds. They have a long and wavy top coat
weigh around 66 pounds, giver or take 5 pounds.that protects their dense undercoat. This breed
They have a long fluffy coat that includes shadescan be found in shades of black and fawn.
of white, gray, blue, and grizzle. This is a playfulTo care for this breed you will need to brush its
and smart dog that has a natural instinct tocoat semi-daily. This will help to keep their hair
protect its family. Because of these traits theyfree of tangles and matting, and it will help to
make a great family dog, and they even getdistribute their natural oils which will protect their
along with other pets.skin and hair from drying out. They do not need a
Samoyedlot of exercise, however, a gentle walk after
The Samoyed, also called the Samayedskaya, is adinner is always appreciated. This breed has a
Russian working breed. These dogs were originallycouple of health problems including hip dysplasia
used as herding dogs and guard dogs for reindeerand progressive retinal atrophy.
herds. Today they still a very active working dogNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
taking on responsibilities for herding, pulling sleds,The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is a
guarding homes, and caring for their humanCanadian breed that belongs to the gundog class.
families.They stand between 17 and 21 inches tall and
The Samoyed is a medium sized dog that standsusually weigh between 37 and 51 pounds. They
between 18 and 22 inches tall and weighshave a medium to long length coat that is thick
between 50 and 60 pounds. They have a mediumand wavy. Their coats are red fox with markings
to long overcoat that is harsh and straight and aon their faces, feet, chests, and on the tips of
soft downy undercoat. This dog is mainly found intheir tails. This is a great family dog as they are
shades of white and cream.patient and playful.
Foxhound (English)Weimaraner
The English Foxhound is a British hunting dog thatThe Weimaraner, also called the Weimaraner
can be traced back to at least the 16th century.Vorstehhund, is a German breed that developed
They were originally bred to hunt in packs. Thisat least 125 years ago. They are a large dog
breed was the result of mixing several houndsbreed that stands between 22 and 27 inches tall
including the greyhound, with a bulldog and a foxand that weigh between 70 and 86 pounds. They
terrier. Today these dogs are still used for foxhave a short sleek coat that comes in shades of
hunting, however they also are used for familysilvers and grays. They are good with kids and
pets.other pets, however, they will need to be
The English Foxhound stands between 23 and 27socialized and trained to make living together
inches tall and they weigh between 55 and 75peaceful.
pounds. Their hair is short and hard, like theIrish Water Spaniel
American Foxhound, and their coat comes inThe Irish Water Spaniel is an Irish breed that was
black, white, tan, bicolor and tricolor coats. Increated to be a waterfowl retriever. Today they
order to train this dog you need to be firm andare used as a hunting dog and as a family dog.
consistent. They are a smart dog, however, theyThey have a very friendly and playful
get distracted easily by fresh scents.temperament and they get along with kids as
Tibetan Spaniellong as the play doesn't get too rough. This breed
The Tibetan Spaniel, also called the Prayer Dog, isdoes have a tendency to be dog aggressive so
a an ancient non-sporting dog that originated inthey will need to be either an only pet or they will
Tibet. It was originally developed as a companionneed to be properly socialized and trained to
and watch dog. They are a cute little dog thataccept a housemate.
stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 9The Irish Water Spaniel stands between 20 and
and 15 pounds. They have a medium to long silky23 inches tall and they weigh between 45 and 65
coat that comes in a variety of spaniel colors. Thepounds. Its coat is designed to help protect the
Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent breed that is goodIrish Water Spaniel from the water is works in. It
with kids, cats, and other dogs. However, theyis made up of a dense layer of tight liver colored
have a tendency to display female to female dogcurls.
aggression.Pomeranian
Wirehaired Pointing GriffonThe Pomeranian is a German breed that has
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also called theexisted since at least the 18th century. It is
Korthals Griffon, the Pointing Wirehaired Griffonsuspected that they developed from a Spitz-like
and the Griffon D'Arret a Poil Dur, is a hunting dogfounding breed. This toy breed stands between 8
that originated in France. This breed was createdand 11 inches tall and weighs between 3 and 7
by crossing a Griffon of Barbet with Smallpounds. They have a long and fluffy coat that can
Munsterlanders, Setters, Pointers and the Braquecome in just about any color. They are a very
Francais.active and friendly dog, however, they usually
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands betweendon't get along well with young children. They do
22 and 24 inches tall and they usually weighmake a great companion dog for the elderly as
between 50 and 60 pounds. Their coat is coarse,they don't need a lot of exercise beyond what
hard, and variegated. Some of the colorthey get running around inside.