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