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Making the decision to share your life with a dog or two (or three...) is probably the easiest part of the entire relationship.
The next step - choosing a pure-bred or mixed breed - which best suits your lifestyle, your space constrictions and your energy level - is the most important part of becoming a guardian and opening your life to a dog.
It is a big step, a serious responsibility and it is for the entire life of the dog. You must do your best to educate yourself about all aspects of any breed you are considering, and you must be very honest with yourself. Are you a clean freak, a couch potatoe or the social butteryfly? If you are any of these, maybe a dog is not your best first choice for a companion. Although there are breeds which may be suitable for each of you, they each need to be groomed, exercised and provided with leadership and social interaction.
You can not be selfish if you are considering dog guardianship. You must consider the needs of the dog first. Dogs are sentient beings which feel pain, lonliness, boredom and fear. They are not status symbols, surrogate children or weapons.
If can not meet the needs of the dog you wish to bring home, then you are not being fair to the dog or yourself. The dog will likely be unfulfilled and frustrated, which may result in destructive or obsessive behaviours and you will be stressed and unhappy trying to figure out why that cute wonderful puppy has turned into a growling brat who eats your expensive shoes and chews on your furniture.
Dogs are amazing creatures, full of individual personality and idiosyncrasies. They bring unqualified love and playfulness into your life - but in exchange, you are responsible for proper care and leadership.
Make a well informed and honest choice and you will enjoy years of unselfish companionship and joy.
THE BREEDS
We have attempted to provide current information on various breeds, however this list is not intended to be all encompassing. If you have an interest in a breed not listed here, please investigate further with breed clubs, kennels clubs, breeders and on the internet.
We have listed the breeds alphabetically for ease of reference.
Afghan Hound
Affenpinscher
Airedale
Akita
Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo Dog
American Staffordshire Terrier
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Afghan Hound
Basenji
Basset Hound
Beagle
Bearded Collie
Bearded Collie
Belgian Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bichon Frise
Black Russian Terrier
Border Collie
Border Terrier
Borzoi
Boston Terrier
Bouvier Des Flandres
Boxer
Briad
Bulldog
Bullmastiff
Bull Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Canadian Eskimo Dog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Chinese Crested
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow-Chow
Collie
Dachshund
Dalmation
Doberman Pinscher
Dutch Sheepdog
Fox Hound
Fox Terriers
French Bull Dog
German Shepherd
Great Dane
Great Pyreneese
Greyhound
Havanese
Irish Setter
Irish Terrier
Italian Greyhound
Keeshond
Kerry Blue Terriers
Komodor
Kuvasz
Lhasa Apso
Leonberger
Mastiff
Newfoundland
Norweigan Elkhound
Old English Sheepdog
Papillon
Pekingese
Petit Basset GriffonVendeen
Pointers
Pomeranian
Poodle
Portugese Water Dog
Pug
Retrievers
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Saluki
Samoyed
Schnauzer
Scottish Terrier
Shih Tzu
Siberian Husky
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Spaniels
Stafforshire Bull Terrier
St.Bernard
Vizlas
Weimaraner
Welsh Corgi, Pembroke or Cardigan
Wire Haired Pointing Griffon
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