Getting a Dog

The first step in choosing an animal, any animal, is research.  Many people do not conduct the necessary research before purchasing that cute Labrador Retriever puppy.  Knowing Sam is going to grow to 70 pounds is one thing, but experiencing the breed firsthand is a must.  The choice should not stem from simple cuteness, because bear cubs are cute, but this is not as adorable.

Size is not the most important consideration either.  Homes with children should be especially careful in choosing a dog breed because some breeds may have less of a tolerance for fur- and ear-pulling as well as involuntary teeth brushing.  In addition, activity level is an important consideration for people who live in a more urban area.

Most of the dog breeds today have been created for a specific purpose, and can be grouped  together with other breeds who share a similar purpose.  The temperment and needs of the dog will be linked to the specific group a dog belongs to.

Sporting Dogs
These dogs were made to hunt.  Swimming, running, fetching, digging, running, playing, playing, playing.  My retrievers go  through this list at least three times a day.  Many times, people are drawn to these dogs, which are usually of medium to large size, because they represent something sacred in their childhood.  Unfortunately, what most people don't realize is that they can go from this

to this.

The breeds in the sporting group are:

American Water Spaniel
Boykin Spaniel
Brittany
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Clumber Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Curly Coated Retriever
English Cocker Spaniel
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
Field Spaniel
Flat-Coated Retriever
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointer
Golden Retriever (LOVE, but I'm biased)
Gordon Setter
Irish Red and White Setter
Irish Setter
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Pointer
Spinone Italiano
Sussex Spaniel
Vizla
Weimaraner
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

This is only the first group!  The diversity in the dog world is astounding, and it has its pros and cons.  If you want to read an "official website" on the specific breed standards before I present them on here, http://www.akc.org/ is the place to go.  These people are the official organizers of the foundation of respectable breeding here in America.  HOWEVER, AKC PAPERS DO NOT NECESSARILY GUARANTEE A QUALITY PUPPY WITHOUT HEALTH PROBLEMS.