Getting a dog is an exciting time, but it is important to choose the right breed for you, your family and your lifestyle. Dogs have been bred for over 10000 years, so each breed has its own characteristics, abilities and behaviours as well as having unique looks. If you are getting your first dog for example, you will want to get one that is intrinsically better and more able to be trained.

Gun dogs

Gun dogs have plenty of energy, and really enjoy and need work to do to keep them happy. They dislike being left on their own for long periods of time even more than most dogs.

Examples – Springers, setters and Labrador retrievers

Toy Dogs

These breeds were specifically bred to be human companions and as such need a lot of contact with humans.

Examples – Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers

Terriers

Are characteristically small but tough, terriers were originally bred to catch and chase small animals. They are stubborn dogs that rarely give in if they don’t want something.

Herding Breeds

These breeds were bred to herd livestock so are naturally full of energy and have incredible stamina. As such they need regularly walking to get the exercise they require. Herding breeds are usually very loyal to their owner.

Examples – German Shepherd, collies

While it is important to all dog owners to have a dog they like the look of, avoid the temptation to buy a dog purely on looks without looking into the characteristics of the breed. You should also consider the differences between male and female dogs.

By: Richard Cross Terris

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DessertUniversity