When getting a dog, choosing the right breed is essential. Different breeds are each suited to certain lifestyles and environments. So whether you’re looking for a cuddly lap dog, an active companion for your kids, or anything else, taking the time to compare dog breeds can help you choose the best new addition to your household.
Finding the Right Dog
There are many different kinds of dogs to love, so picking just one can be a daunting task. The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes 199 breeds of dog, but the World Canine Organization cites 340 distinct breeds around the world. There are also countless mixes and variations of each. While some are relatively similar to each other, breeds’ sizes, shapes, and personalities cover a wide range. This means that no matter what you’re looking for in a companion, there is a perfect breed for you.
Of course, each dog is a unique individual. But choosing a particular breed or mix can give you an idea of what to expect based on their details and history. This saves you from spending your time looking at dogs that aren’t a good match. Then, you can focus on meeting dogs of your preferred breeding to decide whether they feel right for you.
Popular Dog Breeds
With hundreds of breeds across the globe, there are too many types of dogs for us to talk about each one in this post. But we can look at a few of the most popular kinds of dogs to get a general picture of breeds that will be a great fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Golden Retriever
Originally bred for hunting and field work, Golden Retrievers are known for being outgoing, energetic, and good with children and other dogs. These canines love the outdoors and are especially fond of running and swimming. Goldens can make a great choice for families looking for a friendly, active playmate.
French Bulldog
One of the most popular small dog breeds in the world, French Bulldogs are great at adapting to city life. Playful and alert without needing much time outdoors, these pups love making friends with dogs and humans alike. Known for their large, upright ears, French Bulldogs are also a good choice for apartment dwellers because they tend not to bark very much.
Rottweiler
Despite their large and imposing stature, Rottweilers are known as great companions and guardians for families with small children. While these dogs can seem aloof or territorial towards strangers, Rottweilers are playful, cuddly, and gentle with those they love.
Beagle
Curious, clever, and notoriously cute, Beagles are often sought after for their looks. In addition to being adorable, Beagles are very affectionate and love playtime. The most popular breed of hound dog in the United States, Beagles can provide a great balance of precocious fun and laid-back manners around other dogs.
Siberian Husky
Sociable and mischievous, Siberian Huskies love making new friends. Huskies are often known for their companionable nature, and usually get along well with other dogs. While they can be rambunctious and require plenty of attention, Huskies are also known for having distinctly less “doggy” natural odor than some other breeds. And since Huskies were bred to pull sleds through the snow, these dogs enjoy the cold weather.
Genetic Testing
No matter what breed suits your family, genetic testing is an essential part of choosing the right dog. In particular, purebred dogs can sometimes have weaker immune systems than mixed breeds and may be prone to breed-specific health issues. These issues can be due to size, shape, and other selective breeding characteristics.
Still, these concerns don’t overshadow the positives of owning a purebred dog, especially if you know what to expect with testing. If you’re buying from a breeder, they may undergo this testing as a part of the breeding process, but it’s often best to double-check those results with a test of your own. Especially if you’re a pet owner with a new purebred dog, testing your dog for potential long-term issues is vital.
Be Prepared with Orivet
A leader in genetic testing for dogs and cats, Orivet offers a range of genetic services to owners, breeders, and veterinarians. These tests include screening for genetic diseases, coat colors, traits, parentage confirmation, and much more. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned breeder, Orivet’s at-home testing kits provide a surefire way to understand your purebred dogs.
To learn more and see the full range of available testing kits, head to orivet.com.