Everyone wants a lovable friend these days, but what type of friend should you get?
Should you get the fashionable purebred that is cute, but you may have no idea how to take care of it? Should I get the breed that fits my lifestyle the best? Should I adopt and rescue even if I cannot provide ample support for that breed of dog? Deciding what breed is best for your life is key to finding your long-lasting furry best friend.
There are 7 key groups of dog breeds according to the AKC
Sporting- Sporting dogs are active and need lots of enrichment and exercise. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in this group.
Hounds- Hounds are hunting and digging dogs; these dogs crave mental enrichment and puzzles to be satisfied. A common breed of this group is the Basset Hound.
Working- Working dogs need a task to perform that has mental and physical stimulation. These dogs are guard dogs, and all have some sort of task to do, like Huskies trained to pull sleds.
Terrier- Terriers are usually wiry-coated breeds that are known to dig and hunt small game. A Jack Russel is a great example of this group.
Toy- Toy breeds are small dogs that are bred for companionship but can have a variety of other instinctual jobs. Chihuahuas are one of these.
Non-sporting- Non-sporting breeds are usually family breeds, they have a variety of types of dogs in this category from the Bichon Frise to the Bulldog!
Herding- Herding dogs are just that! Breeds that are instinctually bred to work on farms and herd other animals, Australian shepherds are one of the most popular types of these.
You should choose the group of dogs that best fits your lifestyle. Working dogs and dogs that need mental enrichment to thrive would be best in a high-energy household.
“A really common ‘breed’ these days we see are doodles, people see poodles as these fancy dogs and want their coats mixed with the temperament of a sporting dog like a golden retriever. In reality, doodles are not standard; they have more issues than both golden and poodles. Poodles typically have a similar temperament to goldens anyway! Just get a poodle, they don’t need to be groomed in a show cut and all fancy! They were gun dogs originally and are energetic and friendly,” said Kat, the owner of the grooming shop Poppy and Friends in Lake Elsinore, California.
Just because a dog looks cute to you doesn’t mean it’s going to fit with your lifestyle. So many dogs that end up in shelters are dogs bought because someone wants a cute dog, but doesn’t understand what they need. They end up unable to handle the breed they bought and surrender them to the pound.
“I bought my Scottish Terrier from a breeder only after researching exactly what the breed needed to be kept healthy and happy. Scotties need grooming for the rest of their lives, and they are terriers; they desire digging and things to chew on, constant backyard time, so he’s able to run as much as he wants, which is key to him not driving everyone in the house crazy with his energy. But he’s my best friend, and I’m glad I knew what I was getting into with him,” said Trinton Flores, an employee at Animal Friends of the Valley.
Not only is rescuing a dog cheaper than purchasing from a breeder, but it also means fewer animals at the risk of being euthanized due to shelters becoming overcrowded. On the other hand, you often don’t know what breed or temperament you are getting with a rescue dog, so buying from a breeder can be the safer option for getting what you want.
So if you are going to purchase from a breeder, make sure you know which furry friend is going to fit your lifestyle the best.
The AKC has this great quiz to find the perfect match for you!
Which Breed is Right For You? Quiz
