Diversity in dogs existed even in prehistoric times, with distinct types of families, or "breeds," arising among their wolf ancestors 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. You may be surprised at how many different dog breeds are available today. It is estimated that there are over 400 different breeds of dog in the world, but this doesn't take into account the various mixed breed dogs that are rapidly being bread and given a breed name.
It's true that some breeds are better suited to a household with children than others, but each individual dog will have its own traits and characteristics. There are some breeds are not recommended for people with allergies. For high-energy breeds, a daily walk of an hour and vigorous play may be required. Your best bet would be to spend a great deal of time investigating the different dog breeds.
Choosing a dog breed may not be an easy task, but when you are through with this phase be sure you will really enjoy adding a new member to your family and all the experiences that come along with it. Each dog breed requires different demands, so researching characteristics of breeds is essential prior to selecting your puppy. Choosing a dog breed that suits your family's lifestyle can be challenging. It is an important job since your dog will be a member of your family for over a decade. So, when choosing a dog breed, think carefully about what sort of dog will fit into your family life and situation, then read about some dog breeds that match your needs. Before choosing a breed, look for an informative book on dog breeds or Web site to help you determine which one is right for you.
Information on the traits of different breeds will help you choose the type of dog that will blend with your family and become a lifelong companion and friend. While it may be tempting to simply browse through pictures of puppies and choose the one with the greatest "Aww" factor, you need to think long and hard about what you're really looking for in a dog. Consider the characteristics of the breed, shedding, temperaments and cost are all factors to look at prior to making a final decision. Another factor to consider is space. If you have enough space in your garden or back yard for the dog to play and be active then almost any type of dog would suite you. Some of the other factors to consider are the age of the dog, whether you prefer a puppy or a more matured dog.
Mixed dog breeds, or as there sometimes known mongrels or mutts, don't belong to a particular breed. Although purebred dogs are great choices if you know exactly what type of dog you want to get, if you are unsure, then there are many more mixed dog breeds that are available to you. There are the so-called designer dogs, the mixed breed dogs that hopefully have the best of both worlds. These mixed dog breeds are created intentionally to get the best features of the parents. Popular mixes are: the Puggle, a mix of the Pug and the Beagle, the Labradoodle, a mix of a Lab and a Poodle and the Cockapoo, a mix of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. These dogs are not registered, but are still very popular, as demonstrated by their steadily rising numbers.
If you're an active person, then a prissy lap dog may not be the right choice for you. Likewise, a rambunctious, energetic hound dog isn't going to be a pleased pup merely sitting down quietly at your feet while you knit. Getting the right dog breed for your lifestyle will not only ensure your happiness, but the dog's as well. He will become part of your household, after all, and you need him to be the correct match.
