WORKING BREEDS
This is a broad category comprising police dogs, sled dogs, guard dogs, and draft dogs traditionally bred to pull carts. Many of these breeds are naturally versatile because they have been bred to perform multiple jobs, such as hunting, guarding, tracking, and serving as a companion. The common denominator is that they are all designed to assist humans in some capacity. But their natural working skills can veer in unwanted directions without adequate training and human interaction. Owners must be prepared to supply firm and consistent training for working breed puppies, lest they grow into unmanageable adults. Although they vary in appearance, working breeds are generally large and sturdy. They possess high levels of stamina and endurance and a natural affinity for human contact.
Siberian huskies, working dogs developed to pull sleds over snow-covered terrain, need to be kept busy and active if you don’t want them to get into trouble.
Small, Medium, or Large?
Before choosing XS or XXL, make sure you are aware of the potential drawbacks. Living with a big dog can be complicated in unexpected ways. Not only do they need more room for exercise, but they also are not easily portable and thus require a serious commitment to training from a very young age.
Consider the following potential hurdles to owning a large breed:
• At maturity, some large dogs are notably bigger and stronger than many people are. Transporting a large dog to the veterinarian or to a groomer can be a challenge depending on the size of your car and your physical capabilities.
• Do you have room to store 50-pound sacks of dog food?
• Many canine care services really do “charge by the pound.”
• Grooming, boarding, and veterinary care can be considerably more expensive for large dogs.
Extra small puppies come with their own set of complications:
• They are more fragile, which can make them a poor choice for homes with active children or large dogs.
• Some veterinarians are not as familiar with a small puppy’s risks for drug sensitivities or reactions to routine anesthesia or vaccinations as they are with risks faced by medium and large breeds.
• They may not need a large fenced yard, but a securely fenced yard is crucial. Tiny puppies can effortlessly slip through gates and underneath fences.
• Little dogs require more supervision when they are outdoors. They are especially susceptible to predation by wildlife, and because of their low body weights, they have less tolerance for weather extremes. This can complicate the house-training process.
• Public dog runs or parks can put them at risk for attacks from larger, aggressive dogs.
Sex Distinction
There are sex-related behavior differences, traceable to biochemical factors that determine a puppy’s sex. The nature and extent of these differences vary by breed. Generally, males are considered to be more dominant and assertive, and females gentler and more tractable. For some breeds, the opposite is true, and for others, trait differences are minimal. The sex of a puppy can make a difference if you are selecting a companion for another dog. In general, an older dog is more likely to accept a puppy of the opposite sex. Both sexes can be reliably housetrained and bond with an owner.
Coats and Colors—the Icing on the Cake
It can be tempting to pick a puppy solely on his appealing coat or color. Personal preference is certainly an important consideration. But this is not the same as shopping for hats or wallpaper. Dog coats come in many varieties—from the short, curly coats of poodles to the long, silky coats of Irish setters. Some dogs have no coat—as is the case with the hairless Chinese crested. The short coat of the Chihuahua makes this pint-size dog better suited for indoor living, whereas the thick, dense coat of the Samoyed protects against harsh, wintry winds in cold climates. Of course, double-coated dogs can be kept comfortable in hot climates with air-conditioning, and shorthaired or hairless breeds can be bundled in sweaters or kept indoors in chilly locales.
Grooming is another issue. Consider the type of terrain in which you live: choosing a longhaired Afghan hound may create a nightmare for you if you live in a rural region, where debris from fields or wooded areas will continually become trapped in your dog’s coat; similarly, it will be near to impossible to keep a dog’s white coat looking pristine if you live in an area prone to rain and mud. Your forethought shouldn’t stop with the main body coat. Some breeds have combination coat types that introduce grooming needs you may not have anticipated. For instance, the hairless Chinese crested does have long, silky hair on the head, tail, and feet; and the schnauzer comes with furnishings (longer hair around the legs and muzzle) that must be kept free from debris and are somewhat susceptible to staining, though the body coat can be kept shorn to a low-maintenance style.
The beautiful heavy coats of Samoyeds such as this one are perfect for winter in the Siberian tundra, where the breed originated. Summer in places such as the American South is more challenging for double-coated dogs.
A golden retriever pup enjoys a swim in the lake. The oils that make a retriever’s coat water-repellent can transfer themselves to your carpet and any furniture he’s allowed on.
Some coats, such as those of retrievers, are naturally water-repellent and are insulated to resist heat and cold. Much of this weather resistance is due to natural coat oils, which also cause a distinct doggy odor that is transferred from the dog to his bed and to your carpet and furniture. Bathing will diminish the odor, but it also strips the protective coat oils, so it shouldn’t be done too frequently.
Maintaining the appearance of a Lakeland terrier’s wirehaired coat may require the attention of a professional groomer. The advantage of having wirehaired dogs is that they shed less than other dogs do.
Short coats, such as those of boxers and Chihuahuas, are generally less complicated to groom, but they offer less protection against hot or cold weather. Single coats—a one-layered coat without an undercoat, such as that of the Italian greyhound—can be fine and thin, offering less protection from the cold and the sun (sunburn can be a risk). Some flat coats, such as those of the German shepherd and the Labrador, have both an outer coat and an undercoat. These double coats offer more insulation from the weather, but they shed more than long coats do. Frequent brushing and vacuuming is essential.
Wiry coats, such as those of terrier breeds, provide protection from rough terrain and extreme weather. Matting and shedding are less of a problem, but the grooming required to maintain their appearance and texture can be complicated. Unless you are prepared to learn how to do this, it can mean regular professional grooming. Clipping will permanently soften the texture, which will greatly diminish the coat’s natural protective qualities.
Long coats are glamorous, but they also require the most grooming. If neglected
