There are over a hundred registered breeds of dogs. Recognizing the type of the dog is basically associated with its breed. A purebred animal belongs to a documented and acknowledged group of unmixed lineage. Before a breed of dog is recognized, it must be proven that mating two adult dogs of the same type would have passed on their exact characteristics, both appearance and behavior, to their offspring.

You can choose either a specific breed otherwise known as pure bred as we discussed in the previous chapter or choose one that is if a mixed breed or a mutt. 

For people involved with professional breeding, there is a huge difference in purebreds and so-called “mutts.”  “Mutts” are of mixed breed.  Some are actually purebred but have no documentation proving that they are purebred.  If you are looking for a pet and have no interest in entering into competition with your dog, this might be a viable option for you.

Choosing a dog depends on many things. The size of one’s home, how much exercise is needed, does it shed often or if you wants a gentle or playful companion.

Deciding to own one whether it is large or small involves a lot of responsibility. It is not just about feeding it but includes other chores such as grooming, watching its health and diet, cleaning up after it and most importantly,  giving it some tender loving care.  There are many places you can get a dog such as a kennel or the pet store but if you want to get a pure bred animal, you must seek a reputable breeder to get the best results.

As we discussed in the previous chapter, breeding done in purebred dogs is done carefully. The pair is tested for every possible disease which includes having all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file.  Should there be no problem in the history of the pair, then the breeding can begin. If in testing, the pair is not compatible due to diseases that are common in a specific breed, another dog will be selected to match with the other dog.

Since the demand for the breeder’s pure bred dogs are well sought after due to the selective nature of the breeding practices, the newborn pups will still have to be raised with the breeder and will only be released when a number of pre-screened homes have been found.  This is done for the welfare of the select few of owners and to control population growth.

If you opt for a purebred as we discussed previously and do meet the criteria that a responsible breeder will request, you stand a good chance of getting the dog you want.  The restriction may seem severe but responsible breeds care a great deal about how “their” offspring will be raised.

Mixed breeds on the other hand or mutts as people call them could have been bred out of experimentation to produce a breed which could be better and stronger than the two breeds. Most likely, these were the results of accidents. This is the reason why dogs of mixed breeds just like pure breeds must be neutered since millions of dogs every year that are not wanted by people die in animal shelters.

Health wise, pure bred dogs that come from a line of strong parents won’t have problems. This is because breeders screen the pair before the process happens.

Unfortunately, there are instances where certain breeders are more concerned about financial gain rather than the welfare of the animal.  This is especially true of those breeders who do not practice the strict guidelines of proper breeding thereby producing inferior dogs.

Mixed bred dogs on the other hand, will fall somewhere in the middle since proper screening was poorly done or never carried out. Certain dogs carry varied deficiencies common to the breed and mixing the two will just pass on to the mixed breed.

Some people prefer pure bred dogs than mixed bred ones. The primary reason is that it is easier to sell and carries a certain prestige with it. Mixed bred dogs are seen as inferior and since no one is interested, most of these are rounded up and die in an animal shelter.

Pure bred dogs are seen as a higher class which is why they are always featured at dog shows. Mixed dogs are not allowed to join. The reasons given have not been that clear which is why mixed breed owners still contest the rule.

If thinking of adopting or buying a pet dog for yourself, it is important to know which type of dog you want. Here are a few popular dog breeds for your easy reference:

Labrador
Labradors are very outgoing dogs that have yellow, black or brown furs. Labrador are versatile dogs that has a wide rang of functions. Most of them are known as retrievers and are utilized as guide dogs for the blind. They enjoy holding different objects in their mouth and are prone to chewing things. Labradors are observed to be hypersensitive and have a high regard for their territory. Their fur is water repellant thus making them perfect for waterfowl hunting. They make an excellent family dog.

German Shepherds
Germans shepherds are also known as Alsatian. Originally, they were intended to aide for a farmer in herding their sheep or cattle. They are incredibly intelligent and very trainable. Because of their build they are often used as working dogs in the military or police community.  Most of them are also guide dogs. German shepherds are large and strong dogs with varied fur colors. Most come in cream, gray, white or black.

Boxer
Boxers have pointed ears that are tilted forward. They have a distinguishable white underbelly and white parts at the tip of each foot. These white regions are often called ‘flashiness’ which sometimes extends to other parts of the body. These usually appear on the shoulders and face. Boxers are playful and an energetic breed. They are perfect as a pet for children because they have an extended puppy hood, meaning they are not considered as an adult dog until they reach the age of three. Training would not be a problem. Boxers are known to be obedient and possess a strong personality. It is advisable to train a boxer at an early age. They can sometimes be a substitute as guide dogs or police dogs.

Rotweiller
Rotweillers’ origin traced back on ancient times. Their existence has been associated with the Roman Empire as watchers for groups of cattle. Since then, their incredible strength and intelligence have been recognized. They are used as police dogs and military aides during wars. Rotweillers are black with tan spots on its cheeks, legs, chest, face and you find tan underneath their tails as well. They are marked with  upside down triangles that can be found on the chest area. Each eyebrows have a unique spot. Rotweillers are intelligent and fearless dogs. You can notice their foreheads getting a little wrinkly when they are alert. Rotties are very active and playful and are fast on learning tricks.

Poodle
Poodles can be a very good companion and are very loyal to their owners. They belong to a quiet breed of dogs that has a naturally curly fur. Their color ranges from black, grey, white, blue, apricot or brown.  Training a poodle tends to require more effort compared to other breeds. They are considered a “hypoallergenic” breed.  They are very famous for their very nice coats. Maintenance proves to be a tedious job. Owners have to keep their hair in a manageable length so that matting and tangling is prevented.

Dachshund
Dachshunds are also referred to as sausage dogs because of their elongated built. They have short legs and pointed facial framework. Chasing and hunting are their favorite past times. Most dachshunds have crooked legs and chest compared to a barrel. Dachshunds are playful and loyal dogs that loves to chase small animals like birds. Their senses are very keen and well-developed though they often exhibit shyness.

Beagle
Beagles have acquired a strong sense of smell. Because of this quality they are used for hunting animals like rabbits. They have big ears that are low-set giving them that gentle look. Their furs are commonly white, black, brown or a combination of both. Beagles are known to be very good tempered. Training might prove to be a tricky task because these dogs are strong willed that makes them quite stubborn. Beagles travel in pack, being a pet dog might cause them to have anxiety.

Above is a simple overview of popular breed of dogs. In choosing a dog for you consider each breeds’ physical appearance, temperament and health issues. Of course, each dog should fit your lifestyle. Remember dogs should be given proper attention and care but in exchange you can have the best companion ever.

Like the English Springer, the Welsh Springer has only very recently come into existence officially, that is to say; but his admirers claim for him that he has existed as a separate breed for a long time, though not beyond the bounds of the Principality, where he is referred to as the Starter.

When his claims were first put forward they were vigorously contested by many who could claim to speak and write with authority upon the various breeds of Spaniels existing in these islands, and it was freely asserted that they were nothing but crossbreds between the ordinary Springer and probably a Clumber in order to account for the red or orange markings and the vine-leaf-shaped ears.

Even if they are a new breed, they are a most meritorious one, both in their appearance, which is eminently sporting and workmanlike, and for the excellence of their work in the field, which has been amply demonstrated by the record earned at the field trials by Mr. A. T.  Williams and others, but those who have seen them at work have nothing but good to say of them, and for working large rough tracts of country in teams their admirers say they are unequalled.

In appearance they are decidedly attractive, rather more lightly built than most Spaniels, small in size, indeed very little larger than Cockers, invariably white in colour, with red or orange markings, and possessing rather fine heads with small Clumber shaped ears. Their general appearance is that of extremely smart and active little dogs.

The Welsh Springer is described by the Sporting Spaniel Society as follows:

SKULL: Fairly long and fairly broad, slightly rounded with a stop at the eyes.

JAWS: Medium length, straight, fairly square, the nostrils well developed, and flesh coloured or dark. A short, chubby head is objectionable.

EYES: Hazel or dark, medium size, not prominent, not sunken, nor showing haw.

EARS: Comparatively small and gradually narrowing towards the tip, covered with feather not longer than the ear, set moderately low and hanging close to the cheeks.

NECK: Strong, muscular, clean in throat.

SHOULDERS: Long and sloping.

FORE-LEGS: Medium length, straight, good bone, moderately feathered.

BODY: Strong, fairly deep, not long, well-sprung ribs.  Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg.

LOIN: Muscular and strong, slightly arched, well coupled up and knit together.

HIND-QUARTERS AND HIND-LEGS: Strong; hocks well let down; stifles moderately bent (not twisted in or out), not feathered below the hock on the leg.

FEET: Round, with thick pads.

STERN: Low, never carried above the level of the back, feathered, and with a lively motion.

COAT: Straight or flat, and thick.

COLOUR: Red or orange and white.

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Symmetrical, compact, strong, merry, active, not stilty, built for endurance and activity, and about 28 lb. and upwards in weight, but not exceeding 45 lb