How Much Does A Puppy Cost?
This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, upward of seven years, so you'll want to make a wise investment. Ask several breeders about cost to get an estimate of the market rate.
Obedience training for everyone
One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you call. A well trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog's owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes are available in most communities. Time spent training your dog is time well spent.
Hound Group
Dogs in this group are bred to run down and hunt game. Some hunt by sight, such as the Afghan Hound, Irish Wolfhound and Greyhound, while others hunt by scent, such as the hound and Basset Hound.
Within this group you will find great contrasts such as the tallest dog of all the breeds, the Irish Wolfhound and one of the shortest, the Dachshund. The swiftest of all the breeds, the Greyhound and one of the slowest, the Basset Hound. One of the loudest bayers, the Coonhound and the 'barkless' Basenji! Activity levels also vary greatly from the clownish, on the move, Whippet to the sedentary Basset.
Terrier Group
Some of the better known terriers are the Miniature Schnauzer, American Staffordshire Terriers (sometimes erroneously called 'pit bulls'), Scottish Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier and Bull Terriers, both white and colored (also sometimes erroneously called 'pit bulls').
The dogs that make up this group are, for the most part, extremely active dogs. The word, Terrier, derives from the Latin "Terre" which means earth. Terriers were bred to 'go to earth' to route out rats, fox, woodchuck, weasel and other small earth dwelling creatures. The word 'tenacity' fully describes the terrier temperament. They are fiercely loyal and courageous.
Some terriers require what is referred to as 'hand striping' to keep their coats looking good. Although this isn't required if you're not showing, it's something to be aware of. Terriers aren't always suited to multiple dog families and it's a good idea to ask lots of questions regarding each breed.
Toy Breeds
The Toy Poodle, Pomeranian, Miniature Pinscher, Pug and Yorkshire Terrier are some of the more common breeds within this group. Most toys are under 10 pounds in weight. They are bred to be pets and companions.
Because they require little room and don't eat much, they are ideal as apartment dogs. Although small, they are often longer lived that the larger breeds. Beware, however, that these dogs can often be very yappy!
Non Sporting
Bichons Frises, Chow Chow, Keeshonden, Boston Terrier and the Chinese Shar-Pei are some of the breeds that make up this group. Although most of the breeds in this group have been bred to do a certain job, they didn't fit into any other group so ended up here.
Herding
German Shepherd Dog, Collie, Australian Shepherd, Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and Bouvier de Flanders are a few of this group that was developed to herd livestock. Although most are larger, some, like the Australian Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog and Corgis are of a smaller size.
Herding breeds are naturally attracted to other animals and if properly trained, get on with most other animals well. They CAN, however, be a nuisance around other animals if not properly trained, giving vent to their instinct to herd those who need no herding at the moment! They can be a very active breed needing proper outlets for their considerable energy. Few breeds are more loyal to their families and people than these dogs.
MAKING YOUR CHOICE
Many people decide that they want to own a certain breed because of their admiration for Lassie or because they've seen a certain breed in a movie and find it's attractive. What they don't consider is the basic temperament of this particular breed as well as the purpose for which it has been bred.
It's very important to keep in mind that breeds that have been bred as guard dogs, for instance, are going to be more protective than other breeds. You cannot expect to own one of these breeds and have it be happy to see every stranger that enters your home as would a Golden Retriever. But in the case of guards, you absolutely must remember that if you have no experience with dog handling and training, you have no business with one of these guys. They are wonderful dogs and fully capable of doing their jobs but in the hands of the novice it's like having a loaded gun you have no idea of how to use! You wouldn't buy a gun and not learn how to use it, so why own a guard breed if you aren't willing to learn how to handle it?
Some breeds have risen to popularity and then been badly used and exploited by those who are out to make a quick buck. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier comes to mind. Here's a breed that was originally bred for the so-called 'sport' of dog fighting. Later many of these aggressive traits were bred out making him into a loyal family member and guard. Then along come those who still want fighting dogs, and proceed to undo all the good that reputable breeders have so painstakingly accomplished over many generations. The resulting dogs from these breedings have caused great damage to the reputation of the segment of the breed that is still trustworthy. You must take these things into consideration when researching your breeds. This is also another reason to buy only from reputable breeders.
Don't purchase a long haired breed if you can't stand hair in the house. Don't get a toy dog if constant yapping drives you nuts. Don't buy a giant breed if you can't afford the feed and upkeep.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
In your fact finding missions, know what questions to ask the breeders and owners of the breeds you're interested in. As mentioned before, all breeds have their pros and cons. You must be aware of them in order to make the right decision.
1. What is the temperament like?
2. What is the mature size and weight?
3. Are they good with children?
4. What are their indigenous health problems?
5. How long do they live?
6. How much do they shed?
7. How much do they eat?
8. How trainable are they?
9. How house breakable are they?
10. Do they require a lot of grooming?
11. How noisy are they?
12. How protective are they?
13. Do they require any special care or management?
14. Are they good with other dogs and animals?
Attend a dog show, ask either the Show Superintendent or an exhibitor what time the breeds you're interested in will be judged. Each breed is assigned a time of judging and usually only the dog of that breed that won Best of Breed will be there all day as he will later be exhibited in the Group.
Another good reason for attending the shows is that there are usually vendors there who sell every book on dogs known to man! A GREAT way to learn about the breeds.
