Which breed of dog will suit me? 3

Which breed of dog will suit me? 08/08/09

Choosing the dog that is right for you.


First steps in dog ownership

You need to think about a dog that fits your lifestyle.  Make sure you have read am I ready for a puppy before you consider getting a dog.  Remember there are thousands of wonderful dogs and puppy’s waiting for homes in rescue shelter. This can be a great idea as you will have a good idea of what your dog is going to be like.  Whether you opt for a puppy or older dog you really need to consider the breed.


Activity levels.

  • Highly energy dogs – requiring constant training and exercise, not great with being left alone, best suited to very active, dedicated owners. If these dogs do not receive the exercise and mental stimulation they require they will find other unwanted outlets for their energy, so choose one of these breeds with caution.  High energy dogs are not recommended to households with young children.  These breeds include:
  1. Border collie
  2. Dalmatian
  3. German Shepard (Alsation)
  4. Pitt Bulls
  5. Boxers
  6. Jack Russell
  7. Husky
  8. German Short Haired Pointer
  9. Springer Spaniel
  10. Collie crosses (anything with collie in it at all requires a lot of work).
  • Medium energy dogs – Require lots of walking, at least one to two hours per day.  Good for activities, tend to be good with children, although there are breed exceptions such as the cocker spaniel and Akita.
  1. Labrador
  2. Golden Retriever
  3. Newfoundland
  4. Border Terrier
  5. Old English Sheepdog
  6. Malamute
  7. Akita
  8. Cocker Spaniel
  9. Poodle


  • Low energy dogs – require at least 45 minutes of walking a day.  More relaxed in the home but still enjoy activities.
  1. Dachshund
  2. Lhasa Apso
  3. Pomeranian
  4. Yorkshire Terrier
  5. King Charles Spaniel
  6. Greyhound
  7. Irish Wolfhound
  8. Lurcher
  9. Basset Hound

Research your breed The Kennel Club offer good breed breakdowns.  Then check out the breed club websites or buy a book on your breed of choice.

 

It is vital you read up and talk to people who own the breed before making this massive commitment. When you decide on a breed check out the article picking the perfect puppy. Followed by other essentials like house training and am i ready for a puppy.

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3 Responses to this article

 
Lezlie August 11, 2009 Reply

Hi, Louise!

I don’t want you to think I forgot about your question regarding books about Border Collies! A couple friends who also have and train Border Collies are checking on some titles now that they particularly liked. We’re assuming that you’re looking for general information books rather than anything like competition/agility/herding training, correct? We want to make sure you get what you’re looking for.

It was harder than I thought to find some suggestions because most of us with BCs that I hang around with got the vast majority of our information from obedience and agility instructors as I mentioned previously. Your post here has it dead-on correct regarding high energy dogs, in case any of your readers are wondering! :-) Potential owners really do need to understand what they’re getting into.

I’ll get back to you ASAP with those titles!
Great site, by the way!
Lezlie
Books ‘N Border Collies

 
Louise August 12, 2009 Reply

Hi Lezlie,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Yes but not a basic book, more about the history of the breed and breed specific complications, such as excessive herding behaviour and health. I am also looking for a book on agility but that is secondary really. Can’t stop reading dog books! Unfortunately i have often bought books online before that end up being far too basic for my requirements – i anticipate some basic stuff in them obviously, but something very specific is ideal.

Thanks again :) and yes, I don’t want people going out there buying BC’s to live in a ‘pet only home’ as it rarely works out, as you know they need a job to do and that is the beauty of them.
Louise

 
Lezlie August 19, 2009 Reply

I’m baaaack! :-)

Here are the titles my friends suggested:

The Ultimate Border Collie Alison Hornsby

The Complete Border Collie Barbara Swann

Understanding Border Collies Barbara Sykes (probably the best of the lot they say)

I hope these are what you’re looking for. When you’re ready for an agility book, check out the website http://www.cleanrun.com. It’s a site dedicated to dog agility and has *tons* of great books!

If there is any other information I can get for you, just holler!
Lezlie
Books ‘N Border Collies

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