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