| Choosing a Dog. | | | | Vizsla. |
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| Dogs are cute cuddly and make great | | | | The second group are Hounds. These dogs are |
| companions. Before you buy a dog make sure | | | | mostly used for hunting because of their |
| you choose the one that's right for you, your | | | | scenting powers and stamina. Beware though |
| lifestyle and your living space. Evaluate | | | | because instead of barking some hounds |
| your lifestyle and family circumstances. Do | | | | produce a deep baying sound. Hounds include |
| you have small children? Are you active? What | | | | the Basset Hound, Beagle and Blood Hound. |
| are your family hobbies and activities? Does | | | | |
| anyone in your family have allergies? | | | | Third are Working Dogs. They have mostly been |
| | | | bred to guard, pull sleds or rescue. They are |
| Make a list of the qualities you want or need | | | | quick to learn, intelligent, capable and make |
| in a dog. Do you need a lap dog, guard dog, | | | | solid companions. Their size and strength can |
| small or toy size or can you and your home | | | | make them unsuitable for children. These dogs |
| accommodate a large dog? Do you want a dog | | | | must be properly trained. They include the |
| with long fur that sheds and needs special | | | | Boxer, Great Dane and Rottweiler. |
| grooming? | | | | |
| | | | Fourth are Terriers. They are feisty, |
| No dog is totally non allergic but some cause | | | | energetic and range in size from very small |
| fewer allergies than others. Typically breeds | | | | to medium sized. Most were bred to hunt. They |
| that do not shed as much or that require | | | | can have wiry coats that require special |
| frequent bathing are less allergic. Also, | | | | grooming. They also require owners with |
| small dog breeds because they produce less | | | | determination to match their lively spirits. |
| saliva. Poodles and Poodle mixes are least | | | | This group includes breeds such as the Cairn |
| allergic. | | | | Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer. |
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| Once you have completed your list, go to the | | | | Fifth is the Toy Group. They are diminutive |
| library or the AKC web site and check out | | | | in size but very expressive. They are very |
| information on all the different breeds of | | | | popular for people with small living spaces. |
| dogs until you find one that fits your | | | | It is easier to control and care for smaller |
| family. | | | | dogs, though they can have long coats that |
| | | | need special care. They include the |
| Purchase your dog from a responsible, ethical | | | | Chihuahua, Pug and Pomeranian. |
| breeder who produces high quality, healthy | | | | |
| dogs with stable temperament. The AKC has | | | | Sixth is the Non Sporting Group. This is a |
| breeder referral contacts for each recognized | | | | diverse group of sturdy dogs with different |
| breed. | | | | personalities, sizes, coats and appearances. |
| | | | It includes breeds such as the Dalmatian, |
| Dog Breeds. | | | | Bull Dog and Chow. |
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| There are many breeds of dogs and they mainly | | | | Seventh is the Herding Group. This is the |
| fit into these AKC acknowledged groups; | | | | newest class and is composed of dogs that |
| | | | used to belong to the Working Group. They |
| The first is called the Sporting Group. These | | | | share the ability to control the movement of |
| dogs are active, alert, likeable and make | | | | other animals. They are intelligent, make |
| well rounded companions. They do require | | | | excellent companions and respond well to |
| regular invigorating exercise. They include | | | | training. It includes breeds like the Collie, |
| the Cocker Spaniel, Irish Setter and the | | | | German Shepherd and Old English Sheep Dog. |