You need a dog in your life. They don’t cost much to take care of, and pound for pound, they’ll give you more love and loyalty than you can ever hope to repay. If you’ve ever idly considered getting one, it’s time to make the leap. But you have to choose carefully: there’s a lot of different persondogalities out there, and you want to get one that meshes with your lifestyle. Once again, Kwanzoo is here to help.
Ideally, of course, you should seek out a rescue dog from a shelter or a responsible previous owner. Since many of these dogs are mixed breeds, it’s not always possible to predict what kind of temperament they will have. Still, it’s important to understand different breeds and how they behave when you are looking for a dog. Here’s a little more information.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Perhaps no breed is as controversial as this, a breed that has taken the fall for the sins of countless other dogs to whom it bears only a passing relation. In the media and in popular culture, several different breeds have been confused with the Pit Bull due to their similar appearances and perceived aggressive nature. Although backyard breeders and abusive owners have encouraged dogs like the true Pit Bull to turn their tenacious fighting nature on humans, they weren’t originally bred that way – in fact, they were specifically bred to be gentle and loving towards their human handlers during the bullfights. If you seek out a qualified, responsible breeder of this (or any other breed) and properly socialize your “pibble” as a puppy, your chances of having aggression problems are extremely low. However, pibbles are always likely to be aggressive with other animals, including other dogs. Therefore, they are often best in a one-dog household until you know more about your pibble’s individual temperament.
In many areas, it’s hard to find a mutt that hasn’t been mixed with a pit bull at some point. As with any dog, temperaments can vary quite a bit, and it’s important to get to know the dog you’re planning on owning.
Jack Russell/Parson Russell Terrier
(The AKC changed the name from Jack to Parson in 2003, but most people still call the breed by its traditional name.)
You might think “intelligent” is a positive attribute in a dog, but many Jack Russell owners will tell you that it’s possible for a dog to be too smart. If you’re thinking of taking on a “Wishbone dog,” be prepared to deal with a dog that is so smart it doesn’t want to obey. If their minds and bodies are not properly exercised, Jack Russells will often become resentful and destructive. They can’t be left alone for long periods of time on a regular basis, and they must be exercised every day. While most people don’t have the time or energy to exercise their dog to exhaustion on a daily basis, if you don’t do this for your JR, be prepared for mischievous and irritating behavior.
The best way to have a happy life with a Jack Russell is to help them to help you. Teach them to fetch your slippers, find your car keys or remote control, and other tasks that will challenge their minds. Be extremely firm with your training and be prepared to devote time to it. They’re small dogs, but they can jump extremely high and clear barriers you might not anticipate. Don’t count on your Russell being confined by anything but a very tall fence.
If you have (or plan to have) children with your Russell, get one as a puppy and schedule lots of supervised playtime between them so your Russell grows up child-friendly. Otherwise, child-friendliness is by no means guaranteed.
Rottweiler
Another dog with a bad reputation, Rottweilers can be very loving and calm dogs when they’re given proper training and socialization. They require a dominant owner, preferably one with lots of dog experience, who can make sure that their Rottie feels secure and happy. Rotties reward a good owner with endless loyalty and protection; if you have lots of guests over, be prepared to teach your Rottie that strangers are okay.
If you have other house pets, chances are, your Rottie will be fine if raised with them from a puppy. However, they can be aggressive with strange dogs. Due to their size and strength, dog-aggressive Rotties need to be firmly restrained if they’ll be walked or exercised in areas where there are other dogs.
German Pinscher
Like Jack Russells, Pinschers are extremely active and intelligent, possibly to a fault. Though they can be raised with other pets and learn to be tolerant of them, they’re not recommended for children due to their tendency to bite. However, older, respectful children who treat the dog gently can be just fine. Obedience training is vital for Pinschers; they are unhappy in households where a proper dominance structure is not established.
Excellent watchdogs, Pinschers are not well-suited to crowded living conditions since they are highly territorial. In apartment buildings, Pinschers are likely to bark excessively and experience stress.
Labrador Retriever
There’s a reason they’re America’s most popular dog: labs are sweet, loyal, and excellent family dogs. Calm in most situations, they’re happy and tolerant with children and other dogs and pets. While rigorous training is not necessary, labs can have behavior problems if they are left alone for long periods or not given enough attention and companionship. Basic obedience training will eliminate any problems, and ensure that your lab is happy at home.
Exercise is important for labs. Since they can usually be trusted off-leash in areas where it is legal, games of fetch in a local park are a fun and easy way for your lab to wear himself out. They can thrive in a small living space just as easily as in a house with a large yard, as long as they are walked a few times a day.
Golden Retriever
Beautiful and loving, Goldens are the perfect family dog. They love everyone, especially children, and are very easy to train since they have a strong desire to please their owners. Though they’ll never be good watchdogs, Goldens are beloved for their strong loyalty, affection, and calm demeanor. Like many dogs, they can be prone to obesity if they’re overfed – obedience has its limits, and leaving food at eye-level is a good way to ensure it will be stolen. Even the sweetest Golden can’t control his sweet tooth.
Many kids have fond memories of Goldens they knew growing up – dogs who would allow themselves to be hugged, pummeled, and wrestled without showing aggression, or take treats from a toddler’s hand without nipping. But the Golden’s greatest gift is also his Achilles heel: if left alone for long periods of time on a regular basis, Goldens can become despondent. They need plenty of companionship in order to be the happy, playful dogs they’re meant to be.
Beagle
When it comes down to it, beagles serve only one master: their noses. Though they are playful, affectionate dogs who can be extremely rewarding to own, training can be difficult and frustrating due to their high distractability. Luckily, rigorous training is not usually necessary. Typically beagles are calm, even lazy, while indoors. Though they can be highly energetic due to their having been bred for the hunt, beagles don’t need much exercise to be content. A few good walks a day and a trip to the park every other weekend is plenty of activity to keep your beagle smiling.
But more activity may be necessary: beagles are highly prone to obesity. They get along with most other dogs and can be taught to tolerate household pets; however, due to their hunter’s nature, they’re likely to treat smaller animals with a certain amount of suspicion.
If you plan on training your beagle, make sure they are obedient indoors before taking the training outside, where smells and sounds will distract them. And never trust your beagle off the leash: if they catch a scent they will bolt, and like many other hunting dogs, they can run themselves to dangerous levels of exhaustion.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties are another beloved family dog, and for a reason. Though their coats need a certain amount of attention, the reward is a “tiny Lassie” with a beautiful, regal look. Generally, Shelties are calm and tolerant, although they are best with children when raised together. They don’t need a lot of exercise to be content, but they are well-suited to agility and obedience training if you so desire.
Shelties have a shrill bark, and most of them like to use it. They also tend to “herd” groups of people or animals, which can lead to them accidentally knocking down and hurting small children – so supervised play is best.
All in all, Shelties can be good family dogs and rewarding companions.
…But What About the Labradoodle?
Recently, labradoodles – a popular hybrid dog – have gained publicity as a choice of the First Family. Since they are not a recognized breed, it is difficult to predict exactly what a labradoodle will be like – their size, coat, color, and temperament can vary greatly from dog to dog. Unfortunately, much labradoodle breeding is done by backyard breeders, who are not licensed or trained. But shelters across the country often feature labradoodles, which makes them a popular choices amongst people seeking a rescue dog.
Are labradoodles “hypoallergenic?” No animal can be – but those who suffer from allergies to pet dander often have a much easier time tolerating poodles and poodle mixes. This makes the labradoodle a type of dog to consider, though allergy sufferers need to spend time with any dog they’re considering to make sure it doesn’t trigger reactions. Despite popular belief, labradoodles do shed – but they often shed and smell less than other lab mixes.
Temperament-wise, most labradoodles tend to be friendly, loyal, and mellow, but also lively and intelligent – combining the best of the labrador and the poodle. Their coat length and curliness will vary from dog to dog, as will the size: some are bred from standard (or full-size) poodles, others from miniature ones. Like labs, they need lots of companionship and love.
Of course, this is just a basic introduction to some of the more popular breeds of dogs. There’s much more to be explored. And if you’re in the business of selling pet products, remember that Kwanzoo can help you grow your business with branded quiz widgets that will segment users, target advertising, drive traffic, and convert casual browsers to buyers. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
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