Resources and Information
Dog Breeds

Gathered here for you are many of the common dog breeds, and a few uncommon ones. The notes on this page are my impressions, and my experiences, with the breed. Because of this, this will be one of the more opinion laden pages on this website. The link associated with each breed will take you to another website, that I have reviewed, and consider to be a very good source of more specific information on the breed.

Have fun learning about and comparing the different dog breeds!

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are really unique guys. They have a hound mentality in this stubby little loveable body. I use the word "little" a bit loosely. While they are short, these are actually at least mid-size dogs, and commonly weigh 40-50 pounds or more.They are generally very easy going and willing to please, as long as what you want is what they want! I can honestly say that I've never met a mean Basset Hound. I have, however, met many couch-sleeping, nap-loving Bassets!

As with all breeds, Basset Hounds have some medical issues that are common within the breed. Their single largest issue is with their skin. They have a really hard time with yeast infections - skin, paws, ears and lip folds all suffer from an excess of yeast. Plan to bathe these dogs frequently, and likely with a medicated shampoo. They also tend to develop skin cysts pretty commonly.

Learn all about the Basset Hound from a breed enthusiast at Just-Basset-Hounds.com. An excellent source including information about Basset Hound specific care, breed profile, ownership, origin, grooming, facts and more.

Border Collie

This breed is best known for it's high energy and high intelligence. Similar to the Parsons (Jack) Russell Terrier in both of these characteristics, the Border Collie is different by virtue of having a higher drive to please than the PRT. This one factor makes the difference between the two breeds notable. While the Border Collie is much easier to "train" (communicate with) than the PRT, their need for physical exercise is similar. They MUST get regular exercise.

A unique quality of many smarter breeds is the need to have a job. Border Collies NEED to have a job. If you do not give them one (watching the kids, keeping tabs on the sheep, going to work with you, etc.), then they will give themselves a job. Often the job that they choose for themselves is not one that is appropriate for most situations - like barking and chasing everything they see through the window, like obsessively chasing their tails, or lights and shadows on the floor, and many more compulsive type behaviors. If you do not have the time or theenergy to both keep up with a Border Collie physically and to keep their mind engaged and busy, then you should consider another breed!

As with all breeds, Border Collies have some medical issues that are common within the breed, although not really very many. Orthopedic disease, elbow dysplasia and arthritis first among them, is their main physical health issue. Even this is by no means common within the breed. By far the most common problem with a Border Collie is behavioral, and most of the time the reason can be traced back to what we discussed above.

Cocker Spaniel

Cockers are a small-mid to mid size family dog. They are quite adaptable, and can live happily in an apartment (with daily walks!) or on acreage, and anything in between, with ease. Most Cocker Spaniel owners have their dogs groomed periodically, and it is partly this grooming that truly keeps them looking like a Cocker.

As with all breeds, Cockers have some medical issues that are common within the breed. Their ears and their eyes are the most susceptible to problems. Otitis externa (ear infections), and glaucoma top the list of common Cocker maladies. After that, skin (allergies and yeast infections) and heart issues are the next most common medical problems.

Learn All About Your Cocker Spaniel at About-Cocker-Spaniels.com. This may be the best free online guide to caring for Cocker Spaniel puppies and dogs. This site includes advice on finding and choosing your ideal puppy, puppy names and new puppy care, crate and toilet training, puppy socialization, obedience training, health problems, behavioral problems and practical tips and helpful advice on how to look after your Cocker Spaniel. No matter what you're searching for, you'll probably find it here!

Dalmation

The Dalmation is quite a flashy looking dog. The black and white contrast is really quite striking, on any species. These dogs are medium sized, very short coated, muscular, and good family protectors. Plan to spend some time training a Dalmation as to the rules of the house, and expect him to obey those rules. He will have an easier time doing this if he gets good, regular, vigorous exercise! This would be an excellent companion dog for a jogger.

As with all breeds, Dalmations have some medical issues that are common within the breed. There are surprisingly few though. Behavior issues are the most common, and these usually stem from a lack of owner boundaries and expectations, and a lack of exercise. As they get older, arthritis is common in all medium to larger breeds, including the Dalmation. Finally, a large percent of individuals will have difficulty with crystals in their urine. This issue should be diagnosed by a vet, and appropriate dietary measures taken to prevent further urinary crystal or stone formation.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are large, thick-coated working dogs. This whole group of dogs, the working dogs, all do better if they have a job in life. Many of them will make their own job, if you don't give them one, and you may not like the job that your Shepherd has chosen to do! Also, be prepared for major shedding periods twice yearly. In the right home, these are wonderful family dogs.

As with all breeds, German Shepherds have some medical issues that are common within the breed. Unfortunately, this breed has a good many more potential problems than most. A list of the major potential Shepherd problems includes hip dysplasia (which then progresses to arthritis), anxiety issues, autoimmune diseases (there are many types), and skin issues (more rarely, but more severe when they do get them). There is no way that I know of to know in advance if a Shepherd is going to have an autoimmune disease or a skin disease. You can, however, get a good idea of the likelihood of having hip problems or anxiety problems by looking at the parents. If you are getting your dog from a breeder, then this information should be made available to you without any fight. If this is not the case, you should consider finding another source.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are larger (60-80 pounds), longer coated dogs, who are excellent with families. They are easy going in temperament, very willing to please, and also very forgiving of mistakes. They are an excellent choice for the first time dog owner, if you have the space for them. They will need a little attention paid to maintaining their coats - brushing is mandatory!

As with all breeds, Golden Retrievers have some medical issues that are common within the breed. Allergies, ear problems, hypothyroidism, obesity, arthritis and cancer are the issues that come to mind when I think of Goldens. The first five are quite manageable conditions. Unfortunately, in my experience both lymphoma and osteosarcoma seem to appear more frequently than expected in this breed. I continue to hope that this is just my experience, and not a true consistency within the breed.

Parsons (Jack) Russell Terrier

All I can say is, you'd better be ready to keep up with these little dogs! Pound for pound these are probably the "biggest" little dogs out there - just ask them! They have a big presence, a big energy level, and they can have a big 'ole attitude too! This breed needs a home able to give them all of the time and energy that they demand. In return, you'll have the best friend you've ever had.

Parsons Russell Terriers have surprisingly few medical problems. I see them the most for trauma incidents - they pick fights with the big dogs, they make the horse mad and get kicked, they make their owners angry enough to spit nails at times, but they have very few built-in health problems. They make up for this by having the potential to develop many and varied behavioral issues. This is usually from a mismatch of owner and living circumstances to the breed. Be honest with yourself in deciding if you have what it takes to own (or be owned by) a PRT!

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, very long and thick coated dogs. They generally have a pleasant, happy personality. Most commonly they seem to be on the shy side to me, although I have met some very outgoing Pomeranians. Be prepared to care for that coat - lots of brushing is needed to keep them looking and feeling their best!

As with all breeds, Pomeranians have some medical issues that are common within the breed. A condition called collapsing trachea is quite common, but is usually mild and easily treated if any treatment is needed at all. Their teeth need aggressive and continual care - this is true of most small breeds. And they can develop localized skin conditions if their coat is not cared for properly.

Pug

Pugs are the clowns of the dog kingdom! They are smaller dogs, with a thick but short coat. Pugs are social little guys who like to play, and to nap - and not necessarily always in that order! It's really tough to be sad with a Pug in your life.

As with all breeds, Pugs have some medical issues that are common within the breed. Actually, pound for pound theymay have more than their fair share. Pugs experience a myriad of respiratory (breathing) issues because of that cute squashed face. Likewise, their teeth tend to need extra care, because everything is all squashed into such a small space. They often have problems with yeast infections of their ears, paws, and the skin folds of their face and tail. Their eyes are more prone to issues, because they are sticking right out there. And finally, the breed is also commonly diagnosed with a condition called portosystemic shunt. I have seen some Pugs with none of these problems, or only mildly affected with one or two issues. I have also seen Pugs with virtually every problem listed. If you choose a Pug, be prepared to help them if they need it!

Rottweiler

This is generally a larger dog, short coated, with a natural tendency to protect its family. In the right home this breed makes an awesome pet - loyal, loving, and steady. In the wrong home, they can be the worst kind of dog - unpredictable, pushy, and a danger to those around them. Notice that I say in the right home, or in the wrong home. More than most breeds, Rottweilers become who their owners make them. This is not a good breed choice for a first time dog owner.

As with all breeds, Rottweilers have some medical issues that are common within the breed. Like most large breed dogs, they are prone to orthopedic issues - cruciate ligament injuries and degenerative joint disease (arthritis) are both common. They tend quite easily towards obesity, which only makes the orthopedic disease worse. And again as with most large breed dogs, they can have heart issues. Bone cancer is somewhat common in the breed.

Schnauzer, Miniature

Miniature Schnauzers are nice little dogs. They are small enough to live in small spaces, big enough in body and mind to be good dogs for active people (jogging, frisbee, agility training, etc), yet can calm down and rest when the opportunity presents. They do need to be groomed periodically, to keep them looking like a Schnauzer.

As with all breeds, Schnauzers have some medical issues that are common within the breed. They are prone to hair growing in their ears, which can lead to ear infections if not kept cleaned. The whole breed is quite sensitive to fats in their diet, and an effort should be made to keep dietary fat to a minimum, to prevent a condition called pancreatitis. If they do suffer severe or recurrent bouts of pancreatitis, it's not uncommon for them to also become diabetic. Some Schnauzers will need regular teeth cleanings while others seem to only need cleanings intermittently. Dedicated home care can help tremendously with this.

For the most complete Miniature Schnauzer information on the internet check out www.Schnauzers-Rule.com. Topics include dog grooming, obedience and trick training, housebreaking, Schnauzer care, Schnauzer contests, FREE dog eCards, and lots more! Schnauzers Rule - Got Schnauzer?

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Page last updated 04/11/2011.