Which Breed - Couch Potatoe or Elite Athlete?

So you've decided the time is right to get a puppy. Great! Now the work starts . . . . what breed should you get?

All domestic dogs were more or less "created" by man to perform certain functions - hence the large and varied number of different breeds. Some of the little dogs were developed to sit quietly and look pretty on "the lady's" lap. Yet, other small breeds were brought about as fierce hunters of small game or rodents. You can easily recognize the fact that they would demand a different life style.

Similarly, the noble and powerful Rottweiler was a multi purpose dog who could pull a loaded cart, help drive livestock and protect the heard and farm from animal and human threats. The herding dogs helped look after the flocks; the sporting dogs liked to help hunters bring back the game.

There are in fact, seven different "groups" of dogs plus a miscellaneous group. Each of the 150 different breeds of dog are assigned to one of the groups based on the use for which the breed was originally developed. Learn more about AKC Recognized Breeds.

Why would you or anyone else be interested in knowing about breeds and groups? Because your lifestyle and the dogs original purpose should be a least somewhat compatible, if you and your new puppy are to have a successful and enjoyable relationship. If you enjoy a rather sedentary lifestyle with little if any physical activity, a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever is defiantly not for you. They are high energy dogs that love to run and play.

There are of course, breeds that will fit with almost any lifestyle keeping in mind that some compromises may be necessary on both sides, to make a great relationship. Dogs tend to be very accommodating if fundamental needs are met.

You can learn more about some of the breeds by reading the excellent profiles put forth by the VetCentric people. Following is a list of their "Breed Spotlight" articles with links to the site.

Enjoy your studies and good luck with your new puppy!