All prospective or actual dog owners should know that dogs are of many breeds, and each breed has specific traits and characteristics. This is why it is very important to research different breeds before either adopting one or buying one for yourself or a child of any age.
Researching the types of dogs will also inform you on whether your life circumstances are conducive to taking care of a dog because as amazing as they are, dogs come with a lot of responsibility and you need to be able to handle it all before getting one.
The Dog Family is Broad
They can range from great big mastiffs to small Chihuahuas, with every size in between. Every breed has different needs and levels of exercise they require which you should be able to keep up with.
For example, Saint Bernards are used for search and rescue operations because of their great sense of scent. This means they require daily exercise as well as great physical space in which to run around freely. This may not be the same for some other breeds of dogs.
With this understanding, you should never enter into pet ownership without doing your research beforehand. As a Dog owner or a wannabe dog owner, here are things you need to know about different breeds and their types.
Utility Dog
Many people think that the most important aspect of owning or caring for a dog is their ability to be great companions. However, there are some individuals who prefer dogs for their positive impact on society and on other animals. Utility dogs are specifically trained in order to assist people with disabilities or illnesses. Breeds like poodle, German shepherd, golden retriever, and Labrador retriever are best suited for this type of work. Utility dogs are often referred to as “service animals”, since they are trained to assist, and they may be of any breed or size.
Utility dogs are extremely intelligent and capable of carrying out complicated tasks for those who need their assistance throughout the day. They learn important skills that help them carry out their jobs, such as guiding the blind or alerting epileptics before they have seizures. Even though these dogs are not able to physically prevent an epilepsy seizure once it has begun, service animals are trained to bark at others around them in order to get help from their owners.
Toy Dog
Toy dogs were made not to be aggressive and to live with humans through selective breeding. If you get a toy puppy, take it slowly introducing it to children and other pets around the house. Be aware that certain breeds of smaller dogs can still cause severe damage when they bite or attack bigger animals or children.
Some owners prefer small dogs because of their size, but if you want a protector and watchdog, talk to the breeder about getting an extra-large dog. Breeds like St. Bernard, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundland are considered gentle giants because of their great size for being a dog that is not too aggressive.
Gun Dog
This is one of the most popular breed types among hunters, as they are known for their excellent noses. They are typically friendly and social with people outside of the family unit they were raised in—however, they can be territorial when it comes to defending what is theirs (such as food or toys).
Gun Dogs make good dogs for families that live in the suburbs and tend to be active outside of the house. They do not require large backyards or lots of space to move around, but they do need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. The Gun dog will be happiest when it is given an activity to complete, such as tracking or agility.
Sporting Dog
This dog type is known for being highly trainable, in addition to being intelligent and easy to work with. These dogs are in high demand among owners who spend time training them because the breeds are eager to learn new things. They are very social, loving being around people in general.
Sporting dogs also have strong skills when it comes to getting along with other animals that live in the same house, including cats and smaller pets. The sporting dog can be energetic or calm depending on what kind of activities they are used for. There are many different kinds of breeds that fall into this category, but all of them are intelligent and easy to train. The sporting dog will be happiest when it is given an activity to complete, such as obedience or fieldwork.
Hound Dog
These dogs typically possess both hunting skills and endurance for running long distances in cold weather. And while they need plenty of exercise, they do not have as much energy as other breeds. The hound dog can be very friendly and even-tempered, making them a good choice for someone who wants to take their pet out into public.
However, they do need regular exercise outdoors to avoid becoming overweight or lazy – especially because these dogs are often stubborn about going outside when the weather is bad. The Hound dog will be happiest when it is given an activity to complete, such as tracking or sledding.
Working Dog
These dogs were bred for a specific task, such as herding animals or hunting. Such breeds tend to have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise. They are not ideal as pets for those who live in apartments and do not have yards. Working dogs tend to bond with one person over the family as a whole, which can cause problems if everyone in the family does not keep consistent hours.
They usually need training early on as puppies. Working dogs are also war dogs. They are unique for their typical intelligence level. Working dogs are very aware of their surroundings and often respond to scents or voices far before you can see them. They make great family pets, however, they do require lots of exercise, attention, training, trails to run on, etc. Examples are Border Collies (herding) Terriers (hunting/ vermin control) and Retrievers (hunting/ retrieving).
Dog owners should also know that different types of breeds will have different eating habits, sleeping habits, environmental preferences, amount of energy, level of socialization required, grooming needs, exercise requirements, and many more. All these traits are unique to each breed and are important for a dog owner to be aware of before deciding on the right dog for their family.
