Choosing a Dog Breed: What You Need to Know

When you want to get a dog, the big question is often "which breed should it be?". Many dog owners adore a specific breed, perhaps because they had one as a child or because a childhood friend had one. However, for new dog owners who are unsure, it can be a bit of a jungle to navigate.

There are many questions to be answered

How big should the dog be, how active should it be, how much exercise does it need, is it simple to train or highly independent, does it shed a lot, how should its coat be cared for, is it good to be left alone for long periods of time or not, and is it excellent as a family dog or is it problematic with kids? There are a lot of questions that need to be addressed, but you also need to remember to look at your own life. What amount of time can you devote to the dog? You must be ready for a lot of training if you want a dog that is intelligent and energetic.

The 10 official breed groups

All dog breeds have been categorized into the ten official groupings below by the FCI (International Federation of Kennel Clubs). You may get a general idea of the various dog breeds by looking at these groups. 

Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs

This category includes dog breeds that were developed with the purpose of herding and protecting other animals like sheep and cattle. As a result, they are bred to be bright, energetic, and alert dogs that need a lot of training in activities like herding, obedience, rallying, or agility. This group of dog breeds makes excellent exercise companions and makes good pets and family dogs if you have the time and active lifestyle to match their extremely high activity needs. 

In this group you will find:

Border Collie

Shepherds

Old English Sheepdog

Kelpie

 

Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds

Many different dog breeds, preferably large ones, can be found in this group. They were also bred as farm dogs to herd or guard, which is why they require space and outdoor areas. They are not suitable as city dogs and should ideally have a purpose in life as the working dogs that they are now. As a result, be prepared for a significant amount of training and activation. You get a fantastic faithful and loyal dog that protects its family through thick and thin if you can activate it and meet its needs.

In this group you will find:

Rottweiler

Mastiff

Saint Bernard

Great Dane

 

Group 3: Terrier

This category includes all terrier breeds, the majority of which originated in Great Britain and were bred to hunt smaller animals such as foxes and rats. When fox hunts on horseback were popular in the United Kingdom and you had the big fox hounds with you, you quickly discovered that some smaller but still nimble hunting dogs were required, as they found it easier to get down into the fox dens. Terriers are thus hunting dogs, and some of them still have excellent hunting instincts, are extremely agile, and are very active. Do not be deceived by their diminutive stature, and be ready to undergo extensive training and early socializing. Having said that, they make good family dogs because they are frequently quite sociable and amiable.

In this group you will find:

Border Terrier

Jack Russel Terrier

Scottish Terrier

Irish Terrier

 

Group 4: Dachshunds

All the many dachshund breeds can be found in this group. These hunting dogs, who are originally from Germany, have excellent hunting instincts and are quite adaptable. Despite being a little breed, like terriers, they are quite active and require training. These dogs might be a little fussy, so early socialization is crucial. They are ideal pets because they are typically amiable and can live a long life, if you are ready to train and socialize it from an early age.  

In this group you will find:

Rough-haired Dachshund

Short-haired dachshund

Miniature Dachshund

Dwarf Dachshund

 

Group 5: Spitz

This group includes various spitz breeds that were originally bred in arctic regions. They have been employed as sled and draft animals as well as hunting dogs for species ranging from moose to bears. Although the dogs in this group range in size, they are all extremely energetic, capable of great independence, and persistent and powerful intellectually. As a result, they demand that you have experience and be aware that the training process will take some time. These canines do not fit the stereotype of the "Labrador type" that waits for a command and a treat. 

In this group you will find:

Siberian Husky

Samoyed

Alaskan Malamute

Eurasians

 

Group 6: Scenthounds

There are a few search and tracking dogs as well as hunting dogs in this group. Depending on their size, these dogs were initially designed for bird hunting, small game hunting, or big game hunting, where they lure the prey to the hunter. As a result, the dogs in this group come in a variety of sizes, but they all share the traits of being incredibly active and hunting dogs. Therefore, in order to meet their needs for both physical and mental engagement, they must be trained and activated frequently, preferably through training for sports, obedience, or hunting. When taught and exercised appropriately, many of the breeds in this group make good family pets.

In this group you will find:

Finnish Duster

Bloodhound

Beagle

Rhodesian Ridgeback

 

Group 7: Pointers

English and Continental pointers that seek out game and mark in front of the hunter are included in this group. Many of the dog breeds in this category are still actively used as hunting dogs today, but they are also popular as family dogs. They are typically medium to large in size and are extremely friendly dogs. They must be activated frequently and correctly, but they are simple to train due to their speed and friendliness. Because of their strong hunting instinct, they can be difficult to call if they detect the movement of game (if they are not sufficiently trained). 

In this group you will find:

Irish Setter

Pointer

English Setter

Breton

 

Group 8: Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs

This category includes the popular retrieving hunting dogs, which are bred to search for and deliver game to the hunter. They can retrieve from both land and water. They are also excellent tracking dogs. They have a high level of activity and require proper activation in the form of nose work; long trots are insufficient; they must use their nose and brain to meet their needs. If you give them the right activation, such as tracking work, they work very well as family dogs..

In this group you will find:

Labrador Retriever

Golden Retriever

Cocker Spaniel

Welsh Springer Spaniel

 

Group 9: Companion and toy dogs

This category comprises small breeds developed primarily as lapdogs and companions. These breeds are often tolerant and loving, making them suitable for residing in confined areas like apartments. It's important to remember that even while these breeds are compact and make wonderful companion animals, they still need regular training and exercise to keep healthy and well-behaved.

In this group you will find:

French Bulldog

Bichon Havanese

Pug

Papillon

 

Group 10: Sighthounds

Dogs known as sighthounds were originally developed to hunt by sight. Their long, slender bodies and strong legs, which enable them to sprint rapidly and follow their prey, are what give them their distinctive appearance. Sighthounds are renowned for their acute vision and propensity for seeing and pursuing small animals like birds and bunnies. Sighthounds are often quiet, friendly canines that make excellent companions. They often show their owners affection and get along well with other animals. Although they can be delicate and may not accept rough play, they do need frequent exercise and might not be the best choice for homes with young children.

In this group you will find:

Afghan Hound

Whippet

Greyhound

Irish Wolfhound