Selecting the Right Dog Breed for Your Family and Lifestyle

It's important to do your research before deciding to adopt a dog. Different breeds have different temperaments and qualities. Here we have outlined some common dog breeds to help you select the right dog.

Old English Sheepdog

The Old English Sheepdog, nicknames Bobtail, is a British breed that belongs to the herding group of dogs. They are a large breed that stands between 22 and 24 inches tall and they usually weigh around 66 pounds, giver or take 5 pounds. They have a long fluffy coat that includes shades of white, gray, blue, and grizzle. This is a playful and smart dog that has a natural instinct to protect its family. Because of these traits they make a great family dog, and they even get along with other pets.

Samoyed

The Samoyed, also called the Samayedskaya, is a Russian working breed. These dogs were originally used as herding dogs and guard dogs for reindeer herds. Today they still a very active working dog taking on responsibilities for herding, pulling sleds, guarding homes, and caring for their human families.

The Samoyed is a medium sized dog that stands between 18 and 22 inches tall and weighs between 50 and 60 pounds. They have a medium to long overcoat that is harsh and straight and a soft downy undercoat. This dog is mainly found in shades of white and cream.

Foxhound (English)

The English Foxhound is a British hunting dog that can be traced back to at least the 16th century. They were originally bred to hunt in packs. This breed was the result of mixing several hounds including the greyhound, with a bulldog and a fox terrier. Today these dogs are still used for fox hunting, however they also are used for family pets.

The English Foxhound stands between 23 and 27 inches tall and they weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Their hair is short and hard, like the American Foxhound, and their coat comes in black, white, tan, bicolor and tricolor coats. In order to train this dog you need to be firm and consistent. They are a smart dog, however, they get distracted easily by fresh scents.

Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel, also called the Prayer Dog, is a an ancient non-sporting dog that originated in Tibet. It was originally developed as a companion and watch dog. They are a cute little dog that stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 9 and 15 pounds. They have a medium to long silky coat that comes in a variety of spaniel colors. The Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent breed that is good with kids, cats, and other dogs. However, they have a tendency to display female to female dog aggression.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also called the Korthals Griffon, the Pointing Wirehaired Griffon and the Griffon D'Arret a Poil Dur, is a hunting dog that originated in France. This breed was created by crossing a Griffon of Barbet with Small Munsterlanders, Setters, Pointers and the Braque Francais.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon stands between 22 and 24 inches tall and they usually weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. Their coat is coarse, hard, and variegated. Some of the color combinations that are typically associated with this breed include white and chestnut, gray and chestnut, and pure white.

Briard

The Briard, also referred to as the Berger de Brie, is a French breed that was originally bred over 1,000 years ago as shepherd. They are a good sized dog that usually stands between 23 and 27 inches tall, and they usually weigh about 75 pounds. They have a long and wavy top coat that protects their dense undercoat. This breed can be found in shades of black and fawn.

To care for this breed you will need to brush its coat semi-daily. This will help to keep their hair free of tangles and matting, and it will help to distribute their natural oils which will protect their skin and hair from drying out. They do not need a lot of exercise, however, a gentle walk after dinner is always appreciated. This breed has a couple of health problems including hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is a Canadian breed that belongs to the gundog class. They stand between 17 and 21 inches tall and usually weigh between 37 and 51 pounds. They have a medium to long length coat that is thick and wavy. Their coats are red fox with markings on their faces, feet, chests, and on the tips of their tails. This is a great family dog as they are patient and playful.

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner, also called the Weimaraner Vorstehhund, is a German breed that developed at least 125 years ago. They are a large dog breed that stands between 22 and 27 inches tall and that weigh between 70 and 86 pounds. They have a short sleek coat that comes in shades of silvers and grays. They are good with kids and other pets, however, they will need to be socialized and trained to make living together peaceful.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is an Irish breed that was created to be a waterfowl retriever. Today they are used as a hunting dog and as a family dog. They have a very friendly and playful temperament and they get along with kids as long as the play doesn't get too rough. This breed does have a tendency to be dog aggressive so they will need to be either an only pet or they will need to be properly socialized and trained to accept a housemate.

The Irish Water Spaniel stands between 20 and 23 inches tall and they weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. Its coat is designed to help protect the Irish Water Spaniel from the water is works in. It is made up of a dense layer of tight liver colored curls.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a German breed that has existed since at least the 18th century. It is suspected that they developed from a Spitz-like founding breed. This toy breed stands between 8 and 11 inches tall and weighs between 3 and 7 pounds. They have a long and fluffy coat that can come in just about any color. They are a very active and friendly dog, however, they usually don't get along well with young children. They do make a great companion dog for the elderly as they don't need a lot of exercise beyond what they get running around inside.

Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher, also called the Reh Pinscher, the Zwergpinscher, and the Mini Pin, is a German breed. They belong to the toy group and it is suspected that they descended from a crossing of the German Pinscher, the Dachshund, and the Italian Greyhound. This breed was developed as a ratter and as a watchdog. Today this little dog is used mostly as a family pet.

The Miniature Pinscher stands between 10 and 12 inches tall and weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. Their coat is short, hard and smooth. They come in three basic coat colors, black, chocolate, and blue. This dog is best suited for families with older kids, as they don't like to be pestered and rough housed with. They also get along well with other pets. Some of the health concerns that this breed has include eye problems and patella luxation.