| Each year, more and more new dog breeds are | | | | weight of the dog. |
| added to the already growing list. Currently, the | | | | - Toy breeds are 10 pounds or less. |
| American Kennel Club, or AKC, recognizes over 150 | | | | - Small breeds are 10 to 25 pounds. |
| different breeds and has seven different groups to | | | | - Medium breeds are 25 to 50 pounds. |
| categorize them. These groups include; sporting, | | | | - Large breeds are 50 to 75 pounds. |
| working, toy, terrier, hound, herding, and non-sporting | | | | - Extra large breeds are over 75 pounds. |
| breeds. | | | | While any dog can be trained to be good around |
| The working category of breeds refers to those | | | | children and toddlers, there are those who seem to |
| canines who aren't merely pets or companions for | | | | have an extra affinity and tolerance for kids. And of |
| humans, but rather are working animals that are now | | | | course, any dog who is not trained or poorly |
| or have been trained to perform certain tasks. The | | | | socialized will not do well with children. Some of the |
| working breed category includes: border collie, boxer, | | | | breeds known for being good for families with |
| german shepherd, great dane, labrador retriever, | | | | children include: |
| rottweiler, st. Bernard, siberian husky. | | | | - Basset Hound |
| Terriers are a lively group of dogs that were originally | | | | - Bulldog |
| bred for hunting small animals such as rabbits and | | | | - Collie |
| foxes, with most types coming from the British Isles. | | | | - English Setter |
| This category includes some well known dog breeds | | | | - Golden Retriever |
| such as: american pit bull, australian, boston, bull, cairn, | | | | - Newfoundland |
| fox, jack russell, rat, scottish, welsh, west highland. | | | | - Samoyed |
| Also called teacup or tiny, the Toy category features | | | | - Standard Poodle |
| the smallest of dogs who generally weigh under 20 | | | | How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for You |
| to 25 pounds and include: Bichon Frise, Cavalier King | | | | There are many different variables to consider when |
| Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Havanese, | | | | trying to decide on the right breed of dog for you |
| Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih | | | | and your family. Before trying to pick which type of |
| Tzu, Toy and Miniature, Poodles, Yorkshire Terrier. | | | | dog would do best in your home, ask yourself the |
| There are also categories that use other criteria to | | | | following questions: |
| describe dogs, such as those that are considered | | | | Training: All dogs require some type of obedience |
| hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Some of these include: | | | | training and house training, but some need a bit more |
| Airedale, Basenji, Cairn, Kerry Blue, Norfolk, Tibetan, | | | | work than others. Do you have the time and |
| and Welsh Terriers; Chinese Crested, Poodle, | | | | patience necessary to train certain types of dogs? |
| Schnauzer | | | | Size: Do you have the room in your home and yard |
| A growing number of 'designer dogs' that mix certain | | | | to accommodate a dog, and if so, what size? |
| breeds are becoming popular. These include many | | | | Exercise/walking requirements: Do you have the time |
| dogs that are part Poodle: | | | | and energy it takes to see that a dog has the |
| - Labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle) | | | | proper amount of exercise they need to stay happy |
| - Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle) | | | | and healthy? |
| - Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle) | | | | Grooming and shedding: Is anyone in your home |
| - Maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle) | | | | allergic to animals? Do you have the resources and |
| - Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle) | | | | time to devote to grooming your dog on a regular |
| Dog breeds may also be grouped by the size and | | | | basis? |