Duration : 4 min 10 sec

Tags: German

While there are no essential personality differences between the sexes of dogs, there is no doubt that some personality variations exist among the various breeds. Though rather minor, they are significant enough so that they should be inquired into in order that the particular breed can meet individual needs. This fact may be of special importance where there are children in the household. The disposition of an animal certainly must be compatible with the personality of the child. Some breeds have a tendency to be peppy, alert, excitable, or noisy, while others are generally quiet, lazy, or phlegmatic. Some are more likely to become one-man dogs, while others seem to want to encompass the whole world in their sphere.

There are, however, enough breeds to satisfy almost any requirement. Once the breed has been definitely decided upon, it is advisable to get in touch with a recognized kennel club agency. It is especially important that the breeder be highly recommended, for occasionally breeders have been guilty of dishonest practices, though these are the exception rather than the rule. In the final analysis, however, there are reliable and unreliable dealers in all fields and the discretion of the purchaser must ultimately decide the issue.

When the animal is purchased, a ten-day trial should be insisted upon, in order to have time to get veterinary certification of good health, and to ascertain whether the animal is of suitable disposition - that is, to find out whether the animal gets along with your family. The reliable breeder will agree unhesitatingly to such a reasonable request. Less reliable breeders will agree to a trial of only 24 to 48 hours. Since latent diseases often do not arise for several days, and since it usually takes more than a couple of days to decide whether an animal's disposition is suitable, the prospective owner is advised to proceed with extreme caution when he has only a day or two to make his final decision.

A reference list of the recognized breeds of dogs follows. The various breeds were developed to adapt these animals to different activities; to learn to distinguish one breed from another; the best method is to attend dog shows. The official publications of the American Kennel Club give detailed information on the history and standards of the various breeds.

The American Kennel Club recognizes six major classes of dog breeds, as follows:

Group one: sporting dogs.

Griffon: Wirehaired-Pointing. Pointer: German Shorthaired. Retrievers: Chesapeake Bay, Curly-Coated, Flat-Coated, Golden, Labrador. Setters: English, Gordon, Irish. Spaniels: Brittany, Clumber, Cocker, English Springer, Field, Irish Water, Sussex, Welsh Springer.

Group two: sporting dogs, hounds.

Afghan, Basset, Beagle, Bloodhound, Borzoi, Dachshund, Deer-hound (Scottish), Foxhound (American), Foxhound (English), Greyhound, Harrier, Norwegian Elkhound, Otterhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Whippet, Wolfhound (Irish), Wolfhound (Russian).

Group three: working dog.

These include some of the largest breeds in the dog world. They are best suited to being used as guard dogs for police or army purposes, watchdogs, herding dogs, sled dogs, etc.

Alaskan Malamute, Belgian Sheepdog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bouvier des Flandres, Boxer, Briard, Bull-Mastiff, Collie (Rough), Collie (Smooth), Doberman Pinscher, Eskimo, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Kuvasz, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Puli, Rottweiler, Samoyede, Schnauzer (Giant), Shetland Sheepdog, Siberian Huskie, St. Bernard, Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Welsh Corgi (Pembroke).

Group four: terriers.

These breeds have a sporting background. They are adapted to hunting small game, especially where a considerable amount of digging is required.

Airedale, Bedlington, Border, Bull, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, Fox (Smooth), Fox (Wirehaired), Irish, Kerry Blue, Lakeland, Lhasa, Manchester, Norwich, Schnauzer (Miniature), Schnauzer (Standard), Scottish, Sealyham, Skye, Staffordshire, Welsh, West Highland White.

Group five: toys.

These have been bred as novelty dogs and have no work or sporting function.

Affenpinscher, Chihuahua, English Toy Spaniel, Griffon (Brussels), Italian Greyhound, Japanese Spaniel, Maltese, Mexican Hairless, Papillon, Pekingese, Pinscher (Miniature), Pomeranian, Pug, Toy Manchester Terrier, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier.

Group six: nonsporting.

While some of these breeds have a sporting, guard-dog or hunting background, they are now bred mainly as pets. They include some of the most distinctive and handsome animals in the world of dogs.

Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, Keeshonden, Poodle, Schipperke.

Jimmy Cox
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/selecting-the-right-breed-of-dog-134081.html

In choosing a dog for the family, it's a good idea we keep the children in mind. Some dogs are not tolerant of children and can be a threat to them. There are many breeds of dogs out there to choose from. Do your homework to see which one works the best with your family and especially your children.

By far the number one best dog breed for children hands down, would have to be, you guessed it, Labrador Retriever. This dog is well accepted because of its good nature. It is not generally aggressive or hyper. It is playful, easy-going, intelligent and patient.

No wonder it is loved by the young and old. Because of its mild manner, it is first choice in working with the handicapped. It is has desire to please as if it knows its plight. The Lab is also a great pick if you have other animals. They are very accommodating.

A well taken care of Lab can live up to 13 years. In order to reduce boredom in these dogs, they should be kept active. These dogs love playing in the yard or taking walks.

Number two on the list is the Golden Retriever. They are similar to the Lab in their personality. They are also mild mannered, kind and they enjoy being around people. They too are a top pick for working with the handicapped as well as the elderly.

They too get along with other pets. These dogs are intelligent creatures to train. Playing fetch is a favorite game for them. Because of their playful nature, this breed of dog would be great for an older child who enjoys the outdoors. Regular grooming is required because of their long hair.

The next pick is the Beagle. Even though they have a baying bark, they are not aggressive dogs. What their barking does say about them is they make great watch dogs. These dogs have a friendly demeanor about them.

Their tails seem to be in an unending wagging motion. Because friendliness comes natural with them, they do not like being left alone. They become bored when left by themselves for too long. They are great picks for smaller children because of their size.

Another great pick for children is the Basset Hound. They are generally docile, yet they're known for their stubbornness.

They are also known for their gentleness and are quite sweet by nature. They're great with children of all ages and enjoy attention from them.

The German shepherd is another pick. Again, these are probably best for older children who enjoy playing outdoors. Because of their size and strength, they are probably not suitable for younger children.

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Police often use this type of dog for search and rescue missions. They are protective by nature and are quite tolerant. It's best to start training these dogs as pups. Without training, they can be a handful.

The black and white spotted Dalmatian is associated with fire trucks. But for a family, a Dalmatian would be a trusted friend. They are very outgoing dogs with lots of energy to spare. This dog needs companionship from humans.

The Bearded Collie is another great pick. These are active dogs and would do best outdoors. They like to have open space to run, so being confined to an apartment would not suit these dogs.

Then there's the American Cocker Spaniel. They are sensitive and sweet dogs. They are generally obedient to their master and enjoy the attention of children. They are definitely a people friendly dog.

The Bearded Collie is known for its bounce. This dog is very playful and happy. They like to be around people and will not hide their excitement of being around you. Female Collie's tend to be calmer, while males are more rambunctious.

Cockapoos not only are good around children, but they get on with other pets as well. They do not need a lot of space. Apartment life is OK with them.

In choosing the right dog for your family, always remember that there are always exceptions to the rules. Each dog is an individual, and why for the most part certain breeds are more children friendly, you should always be cautious with your child around unknown dogs.

Colin Philips
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-breeds-but-which-dog-is-suited-for-you-117786.html

If the cat is a kitten, the dog will most likely take to it pretty immediately, but should be watched in case a game of chase begins, but with an older cat you may need to move more slowly…. mostly for the cat to be comfortable and to avoid it running…. that would immediately provoke a chase response form the dog and then it's all over.

It may take a matter of weeks perhaps before allowing both dog and cat to cohabitate happily. And even then the dog will learn after a few swats on the nose that a cat is nothing to be tangled with.

As for the horse…. it depends on the horse, but the dog (if well socialized) shouldn't have a problem with it and may just assume that it's big and he should probably use caution. My dogs have come i contact with many different farm critters (cattle, goats, horses, alpacas) and the only one they show any real intrest in are sheep…. I think they get the feeling that the sheep know they are prey and the dogs read them so clearly, the dogs ready themselves for a showdown.

I think the key is to take it slow…. let the animals get used to seeing and hearing and smelling one another and don't force them to come face to face until they are BOTH ready. Use the animals' body language to guide you as to when they can get closer to one another.

Good luck!

To start with you can go to this site and see if there are any clubs you can visit in your area.. just to see what it is all about.

http://www.germanshepherddogs.com

This type of training you are talking about takes years of training and acquiring titles.

GOOD LUCK
Handler/Trainer of GSD's
http://360.yahoo.com/sewwoodyou

Day one: pick up all the toys. All toys belong to you, only you. He may play with one of your toys only if he plays your game, by your rules. If he chooses not to play by your rules, give a "no reward marker" like "too bad," take your toys and put them away again.

When you play ball, play two-ball instead of fetch, at least for a while. Get two identical balls. Toss the first one. As he is returning toward you with it, toss the second one *behind* you so he'll have to run right past you to reach it. In his excitement, and especially if you time it well, he should drop the first ball which will continue rolling toward you.

You collect the first ball, turn to face him, and when he is nearly back to you, toss it again behind you. Repeat. He can't play keep away because you already have your own ball. Dogs believe that what ever toy you have, even if it is identical to theirs, must be better. They will drop what they have for a chance to get what you have. This is the central principle of two-ball.

If he does drop the ball and try to get you to go for it, ignore the ball, say "too bad," and walk away. Go in the house and get a cold drink or watch TV. Remember, he has to play your game by your rules. You will no longer play by his rules.

Don't let the corgi have toys either unless he is playing an organized game with you, or is secured in his crate or playpen. If the corgi has toys and the shepherd has none, ugly disputes will arise.

Please be specific in your answer. Thank you!

Any. Dogs don't care. It's more about temperament. If they click they click. Take her to the shelter or Rescue so she can meet the available dogs. See who she gets along with best.