Choosing a Dog Breed: Large Dogs

The only real dogs are big dogs. Perhaps only a large dog could have made the incredible journey from Scotland to Yorkshire Lassie undertook in "Lassie Come Home." The original Lassie movie was not only the best Lassie film, but one of the greatest children's films ever made. It starred a very young Elizabeth Taylor and Roddy McDowall. The faithful and determined Lassie was played by a Rough Collie named Pal. If you are considering buying or adopting a large dog, it is important to research the different dog breeds beforehand. Each dog breed has different characteristics and only the right ones will be the right fit for your family and home.

Labrador Retriever- These wonderful family and sporting dogs can be yellow, black or chocolate in color. Labs are intelligent, versatile and friendly dogs. They are good around children and other dogs. Their coat is not long, but it is a double coat so they require regular grooming. Labs are large and active dogs, so having a yard would be preferable.

German Shepherd- The famous Rin Tin Tin was rescued from WWI France and brought to the US where he starred in many movies. Rin Tin Tin IV later starred in the 1950's TV series "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin." Today this breed is often employed as police, guard and service dogs, though they can also be loyal family dogs. These dogs are big and strong and possess a herding instinct, so good training is essential. This highly trainable and dependable breed requires regular grooming and exercise.

Collie- Rough Collies and Smooth Collies are considered varieties of the same breed in the US and Canada, while in the UK they are considered separate breeds. Other breeds of collie include the medium sized Border Collie, and the Bearded Collie (15th breed below). Smooth Collies have short hair while Rough Collies have a gorgeous, full coat. Today, Rough and Smooth Collies are primarily family and show dogs, unlike their herding ancestors. With training, they can be great with children and other pets. These gentle and intelligent dogs require regular exercise and grooming. The Smooth Collie actually requires more grooming even though it has shorter hair.

Golden Retriever- Like Labs, Goldens are great family dogs, hunting retrievers, and versatile service dogs. Goldens have longer hair, having a beautiful double coat that can be various shades of gold. They require more regular grooming. Highly intelligent, gentle and friendly, this breed is an ideal family pet. These dogs are very good with children and other dogs and pets. This is an active breed that likes companionship and regular exercise. Having a yard is preferable.

Rottweiler- When you hear a 'ruff' or 'bark' from behind you, be assured it is not a Rottweiler; this breed is only capable of saying 'woof.' The thick Rottweiler is not the biggest breed, but it may be the most powerful. These dogs are versatile working dogs and excellent guard dogs. However, this breed has a much calmer demeanor than the Doberman Pinscher. Rottweilers can be family dogs, but good training is essential. These protective dogs require regular exercise, but grooming requirements are minimal.

Doberman Pinscher- Like the Rottweiler, the Doberman usually has a black coat with tan markings. Dobermans also are excellent guard dogs. The muscular Doberman is smaller than the Rottweiler, but is faster and more active. Doberman Pinschers are a very aggressive breed, so being experienced at handling dogs is very important when acquiring one. They are not good around small children and other pets. They are an active breed needing regular exercise and have a high capacity for training. Grooming requirements are minimal.

Boxer- The square-faced Boxer is a solid service and working dog. These dogs are loyal companions and protective, making them good guard dogs. With training, they are good around children and other pets. They like companionship and regular exercise. Only minimal grooming is required. Like all of the previous breeds, having a fenced yard would be preferable. An apartment is possible with daily walks or outdoor exercise.

Saint Bernard- The famous rescue dog of the Swiss Alps, the St. Bernard is one of the biggest breeds by weight. These big dogs are intelligent, loyal and protective, making great family dogs. They are good around children and other pets. Putting up with some drool and regular grooming are downsides. These dogs should be regularly exercised, and having a yard is preferable. St. Bernards should not be placed in hot climates.

Siberian Husky- Siberians are the most popular breed of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. They have great endurance and like to work. These dogs are good around children and large dogs, but not around smaller pets. Siberians need to be in a cool climate and can tolerate extremely cold temperatures. These dogs require regular grooming and exercise. They are not apartment dogs.

Great Dane- The gentle giant is one of the world's tallest dogs and the world record for dog height belongs to a Great Dane named Gibson. These dogs are often guard dogs, but also make good family pets. With training, these amiable dogs are good around children and other dogs. They need regular exercise and having a yard is essential. Grooming requirements are minimal.

German Shorthaired Pointer- This intelligent and active breed has a coat of liver (brown), or liver and white. These dogs are tireless, versatile gun and hunting dogs. They are good for an active family and do well around children. With training, they can get along with other dogs. The GSP is a loyal watchdog who needs regular exercise and minimal grooming. This is not an apartment dog.

Greyhound- The distinctively shaped Greyhound is the world's fastest dog breed. These dogs can have coats of almost any color. They are versatile hunting dogs that make good family pets. With training, they do well around children and other dogs. Smaller pets are a bad idea and a fenced yard is a necessity. Greyhounds need regular exercise, but only minimal grooming.

Mastiff- One of the largest dog breeds in the world is the Mastiff. There are many types of Mastiff such as the English Mastiff, Bullmastiff and Tibetan Mastiff. This loyal and protective breed is often used as a guard dog. Despite their massive appearance these dogs are known to be gentle family companions. They are not recommended around small children and other pets. Regular exercise is a good idea, while only minimal grooming is necessary.

English Setter, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter- These handsome and elegant breeds of dog were originally hunting companions. The English and Irish Setters were bird dogs that developed into pointers. The Gordon Setter can be used as a personal bird dog. Today, these dogs make wonderful family pets. The setters require a lot of exercise and attention. They require regular grooming and having a yard is recommended.

Bearded Collie- This long haired, shaggy dog is almost a medium sized dog. This herding breed is related to the Old English Sheepdog. These active and playful dogs make good family pets. They are good around children and other pets. These dogs require regular exercise and grooming. A yard is recommended.

Old English Sheepdog- Their hair has a tendency to cover their eyes. This shaggy dog is larger than the Bearded Collie. These jolly dogs make wonderful family pets. They are affectionate and good around children. They can also be a bit clumsy and may try to herd things. They require regular exercise and grooming as they will shed during the warmer months.

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Choosing a Dog Breed: More Small Dogs and Mixed-Breeds

I love old movies with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. In 'Shall We Dance', Fred and Ginger are sailing across the Atlantic on the Queen Anne. Ginger stops at the ship's busy kennel and takes out her dog. While Fred, Ginger and her dog walk back and forth on the deck, the little dog steps on its sleeve and ruins its sweater. How adorable! Standing by the rail, Ginger holds her fluffy-faced dog while Fred sings "I've Got Beginner's Luck." Can you guess the breed of dog? My personal opinion is this cute dog is a Maltipoo rather than a Havanese or Bichon Frise. Agree? There are many wonderful small dog breeds. Some of the best small dogs are not purebreds, but mixed-breeds technically called crossbreeds. Before you buy or adopt a small dog, it is a good idea to research the different breeds so you will know which dog is right for you.

Mixed-breeds (Crossbreeds)

Maltipoo- The Malti-Poo is a crossbreed because it is a cross between 2 different purebred dog breeds: the Maltese and the Poodle. This adorable small dog often has a turned back, fluffy tail. The characteristics in mixed-breeds are less predictable than in purebreds. Make sure that you consult a reputable breeder or the shelter about the qualities you are looking for in your dog before you buy a mixed dog. The Maltipoo is an active and affectionate pet. They do well with other pets, but not with small children. They require regular grooming. Maltipoo's are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise.

Morkie- Also called the Yorktese, this dog is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. The Morkie is very small, loving and loyal. With training they can get along with other pets and older children. They need regular grooming. The Yorktese can be an apartment dog as long as it gets regular exercise. They make better watchdogs than Maltipoo's.

Puggle- The Puggle is a little bit bigger than the Maltipoo and often possesses the wonderful characteristics of beagles and pugs. Puggle's are good around children and other pets. They like human interaction and lots of exercise. These dogs require regular grooming and are alert watchdogs.

Cockapoo- These dogs have adorable faces framed by curly and fluffy ears. They are half cocker spaniel and half poodle. Poodle crossbreeds are often popular because poodles do not shed making them good for people with allergies. The Cockapoo needs regular grooming, but is a particularly very low shedding dog. Very playful and affectionate, this dog is a popular pet. They are good with children and other pets. Like poodles and cocker spaniels, the Cockapoo is very intelligent. They like lots of exercise. An apartment can be OK as long as the Cockapoo is walked often.

Shih-Poo- The little Shihpoo has the cute eyes and face of the Shih Tzu with a little curly hair from the poodle. They are better around older children and can get along with other pets with training. Loyal and loving, they make good little watchdogs. The Shih-Poo requires regular grooming. This dog likes attention and does very well in an apartment.

Goldendoodle- These dogs are a cross between golden retrievers and poodles. They can be small-medium to large in size. Consult a quality breeder about their sizes. They are typically a gorgeous cream or golden color though can be found with red coats. Goldendoodles are very intelligent and versatile dogs just like poodles and golden retrievers. They do well both indoors and outdoors. They require some grooming and exercise, but far less than golden retrievers. Usually, they are low shedding. Goldendoodles are good around children and other pets.

Westiepoo- These gorgeous dogs are a cross between a West Highland White Terrier and a poodle. They are similar in appearance to the Maltipoo except they are larger, being almost a medium sized dog. Also Westiepoo 50/50 crosses will have coats that are only white. They do well with older children and other pets with training. Regular grooming is recommended. Very low shedding, they are good for allergy sufferers. They also like plenty of attention, meaning they don't like to be left alone. The Westiepoo can live in an apartment with regular exercise.

Maltipom- These very small dogs can resemble fluffy, white stuffed animals. A cross between a Maltese and a Pomeranian, they can also be found with other colors. These dogs are spirited and loyal, making good, small watchdogs. The Maltipom does well with older children and can get along with other pets with training. They like attention and do very well in apartments. They need regular grooming.

Pure Breeds

Havanese- Another adorable little dog with a high, fluffy tail is the Havanese. They often have longer coats giving them a sheepish look. The National Dog of Cuba, this breed is becoming more popular in the US and around the globe. They are excellent family pets because they are good with children and other pets. They require regular grooming, but are low shedding so they are good for those with allergies. The Havanese can be an apartment dog as long as it gets periodic exercise.

Lhasa Apso- These distinctive dogs are often seen with a long coat that hangs to the ground on all sides. This breed comes from Tibet where they guarded Buddhist monasteries. They are playful and loving dogs, but they are wary of strangers making good watchdogs. They are not good around small children, and generally, not around other pets. The Lhasa Apso requires regular grooming. This breed prefers to be an indoor breed and can be apartment dogs.

Bichon Frise- These dogs are beautiful and small with a face that is often framed by fluffy, white hair. This breed was often a favorite of French and European royalty. They are playful and cheerful dogs that make wonderful family pets. This breed does well with children and other pets. They can be apartment dogs if they get enough exercise. Their only drawback is they require daily grooming.

Fox Terrier- The Toy Fox Terrier is the smallest variety of this breed while the Smooth Fox Terrier is bigger but could still be called a small dog. They are mostly white with dark makings on the head and have distinctive high, pointy ears. They are loyal dogs, but don't do well around small children. The Toy variety is better with other pets, though only with training. These dogs only need minimal grooming. If they get regular exercise, they can be an apartment dog.

Papillon- These distinctive little dogs have a white blaze through the middle of their forehead and large, winged ears. This gorgeous breed is energetic, yet affectionate. They are better with older children. The Papillon can be an apartment dog, but likes outdoor exercise. They require regular grooming.

Miniature Bull Terrier- This dog has the big, long face of Spuds MacKenzie, but is the smaller version. These dogs are energetic and protective. They are not good around small children and at least a small yard is recommended. Grooming requirements are very minimal, but daily exercise is advisable.

Sealyham Terrier- These handsome dogs have a solid coat and a distinctive beard. Usually white in color, they are a spirited breed, but are calm for a terrier. They do well with older children and are good watchdogs. This breed requires regular grooming. They can be apartment dogs with regular exercise.

Laurence Burrows is a golden retriever lover and trainer. Click here for Golden Retriever Pics [http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com/golden-retriever-pictures]. Visit the Loyal Golden Retriever for dog and pet supplies and info on golden retrievers [http://www.loyalgoldenretriever.com].

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