Collins - Dog Breeds

This book is dedicated to my first granddaughter Zoe Alicija Clarke in the fond hope that she will love dogs as much as her grandparents.

If youre not sure which is the right breed for you, look no further, as this is a comprehensive guide to the most popular dog breeds as well as some lesser known ones, with information on how they evolved as well as their temperament, appearance, daily care and health.

One of the objects of this book is to acquaint you with some breeds of dog that are not so well known but which, nonetheless, will bring the same amount of companionship and undemanding affection as the more familiar breeds. Because introducing a puppy or young dog into a family is the beginning of a relationship which may last for many years, it is incumbent upon all those concerned to get it right! And that is where this useful book can help you there is practical information on over 60 breeds.

All puppies are gorgeous and it is too easy to be influenced by those appealing little black eyes and not to consider what the dog will be like when it is fully grown. The best advice is usually to go for a pedigree dog as you will then know, within certain parameters, how big the puppy will grow, the type and colour of its coat, how much exercise and daily care it needs and, most importantly, what sort of temperament it has.

However, before making up your mind and deciding on a breed, you should reflect on your own circumstances whether you have the time to fulfil the needs of a dog as far as grooming and exercise are concerned, and do you have enough space for the breed you are considering. All these considerations are covered in more detail in Chapter 1.

So have a look at the breed or breeds to which you may have taken a fancy. Go to a major dog show and meet the breeders and the dogs. Read this book and check out the breeds that interest and attract you. Do your homework thoroughly now and you will maximize your chances of finding the right dog for you. Good luck in your quest for a new friend.

There is a breed of dog which is suitable for everyone, no matter what their circumstances, lifestyle, health, location or personal preferences. The UK Kennel Club registers nearly 200 breeds and you need to establish which one is right for you and your family.

An important consideration when choosing a dog is where you live and the size and style of your home. All dogs love freedom and while most are suitable for country living, not all breeds adapt successfully to urban life. Large, active dogs need plenty of space to run and play and thus are not suited to life in a cramped apartment in a tower block, unlike some small companion and toy breeds. Long periods of being confined in a small space may sometimes lead to boredom and behavioural problems for some breeds, especially working dogs.

Next, consider your lifestyle. Do you go out to work, full time or part time? Can you take the dog with you? If the house is left empty for long periods, is there a neighbour, friend or member of the family who can check on the dog and take him out? Are you prepared to walk and exercise the dog at least twice every day? Will you have the time to train, socialize and play with him? If you are house proud and your dog has a thick coat that tends to shed hairs, would this be a source of irritation? Are you prepared to groom the dog every day? Will other members of your family help look after the dog?

Another important factor when choosing a breed is your own personality. Are you energetic, sociable and fun-loving or are you quiet, home-loving and sedate? Do you have many visitors, go out a lot, enjoy long walks or runs? All these aspects of your temperament and lifestyle have an important bearing on the dog you choose. For example, if you dont enjoy exercise or have access to a nearby park or open countryside, you should not choose an energetic breed, such as a Border Collie or Springer Spaniel. If you love long hikes over hills and dales, dont get a Pug. If you like playing noisy, boisterous games and have a large family and circle of friends, dont buy a breed with a sensitive temperament. Try to match the breed to your personality and lifestyle.

The costs of buying and owning any dog can be considerable. The initial cost of purchasing a pedigree puppy depends on the breed, and some are very expensive indeed. However, even crossbreeds or mongrels still need first vaccinations, annual boosters and veterinary treatment as well as food, bedding, toys and equipment.

A fact of life is that the bigger the dog, the more he eats. A large dog can be quite expensive to feed properly, so only consider owning one if you can afford to provide sufficient quantities of a nutritious diet. Another important consideration is the cost of professional grooming, unless you are prepared to learn how to do it yourself. It can be costly to keep some breeds, such as Poodles, Airedales and Old English Sheepdogs trimmed, clipped or stripped and looking their best.

Large dog breeds, such as this German Shepherd, can be quite expensive to keep as well as demanding lots of your time.

Once you have decided on a particular breed, you need to find a suitable dog, whether its a puppy or an adult, that needs a new loving home. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to do this is by surfing the internet for useful, informative sites.