Choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle
is an important part of successfully companion dog ownership. The
breed is often chosen on impulse, because of its appearance, reputation,
or as the current fad, and not for the particular characteristics
that will make it a good pet that fits the family's lifestyle
and activity level.
Families or individuals who are outdoorsy
and active should consider choosing a dog from the sporting group.
Also known as gun dogs, or bird dogs, these dogs were originally
bred for their natural hunting abilities but many of the breeds
are becoming popular family pets because of their general good nature,
energy and endurance. Sporting dog breeds tend to be happy, friendly
dogs who thrive on outdoor activity with their families. They will
enjoy hiking, camping, swimming and jogging, or a rowdy and vigorous
game of fetch! Sporting breeds also excel at obedience, field and
agility trials with proper training.
Sporting dogs are energetic, love
to run in open spaces and do not do well when they are confined.
They are not suited for apartment life! A large fenced-in yard is
ideal since they may not get enough physical activity even with
two or three walks a day. Sporting breeds are happiest when they
are working or playing, become bored easily, and may become overly
rambunctious or destructive inside the home when they don't
get enough exercise.
Most sporting dogs enjoy swimming
if they are gently introduced to bodies of water as puppies. Never
throw the puppy in since this may teach him to fear water, but find
a shallow spot for him to play in. Allow him to enjoy himself and
get used to the water at his own pace. It won't take long!
Another dog who is swimming may tempt him to take the plunge.
Labrador Retrievers have become one
of the most popular family dogs in the sporting group. They are
happiest when they are with their people, and are too friendly to
be good guard dogs! Labs are gentle with children and get along
with other family dogs although they may tend to be a bit jealous.
Especially exuberant as puppies, they need lots of physical activity
to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.
Golden Retrievers are also extremely
popular. A well-mannered, charming breed that loves people and other
animals, Golden Retrievers are wonderful family dogs that are gentle
and patient with children. They have little guarding instinct but
make good watchdogs that will loudly let you know when a stranger
approaches! Golden Retrievers love to please and excel at obedience
trials.
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent,
cheerful, and playful dogs who love everyone. They have high energy
levels which make them a great pet for families with active children.
English Springers can cover rough terrain with speed, agility and
endurance. They are not as active indoors as some of the other sporting
breeds and will adapt to city life if they have a medium-size yard
in which to run.
Weimaraners are proud and aristocratic
dogs. Fearless but not overly aggressive, they are protective of
their families. Intelligent and eager to please, Weimaraners need
lots of attention and respond well to obedience training. They do
well with children when raised around them but may be too rambunctious
for families with very young children. This breed has strong prey
instincts and may be a threat to other pets in the household, or
try to dominate other dogs.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are the
ideal pets for families who love winter sports. Bred to hunt fowl
on the icy New England coast, their thick waterproof coats allow
them to tolerate adverse weather conditions. Brave, powerful and
assertive, they are excellent watchdogs. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
are good with children when they are raised with them. They can
be stubborn and strong-willed and do best with owners who have some
experience with dogs.
Irish Setters are outgoing dogs with
even temperaments. They are great with children and like to play
with other dogs. Sweet-natured and playful, Irish Setters love plenty
of attention and affection. They are not "stupider" than
other breeds as some people believe, but they are stubborn and easily
distracted and need an owner with the patience and commitment to
train them properly.
German Shorthair Pointers are intelligent
and eager to please but can be stubborn and willful. They are loyal
and affectionate with their families but often standoffish to strangers.
This breed is a large, energetic dog that does best in a family
with active, older children.
Cocker Spaniels have been popular
family pets for decades. Their small size and sweet, cheerful dispositions
make them wonderful companions for children. Cocker Spaniels need
moderate exercise to keep them trim. They are sensitive dogs that
need disciplined gently.
Many other sporting breeds are quickly
gaining popularity as family pets. When choosing a sporting breed
be sure you can fulfill the dog's need for the great deal of
physical exercise and attention that they need to be happy. Too
many sporting dogs end up in shelters because their owners did not
realize the amount of physical energy the breed contains and considered
them "hyper" and uncontrollable. Obedience training will
be necessary to keep their exuberance and independence in check
at appropriate times.
Buy a puppy from a reputable breeder
who knows good specimens of the breed they produce. Puppies from
pet store "puppy mills" or backyard breeders may not have
the gentle, friendly nature that is so characteristic of a well-bred
sporting dog.
Sporting dogs are not for everybody,
but you don't need to be a hunter to own one!- JE Davidson
See also: Calculating
Dog Years , How to Pick
a Dog from a Shelter . Treating
Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
I'm asking this because there was one running around on Lawrence Expressway this morning. I was tempted to pull over and try to lure the dog off of the street, but hesitated because a. I didn't know how friendly/healthy it may have been and b. it was dangerous for me to do so traffic-wise. Still, if it was my pet (I don't have any), I would definitely appreciate efforts to get it out of the street....