If you're reading this then that may mean you are trying to find the perfect dog breed for you or your family, well I can't really give you that answer.. But I'm going to give you tips on how to come close! Now theres tons of "Dog Breed Quizzes" out there on the web but just because they tell you the dog is for you don't necessarily mean that is the only dog you should own. If you are dead set on having a certain breed of dog and it doesn't fit you, either change your habits to meet their needs or don't get one.. Sounds harsh but that is how breeds get bad reputations, from people getting a dog because they think it is cute, but don't understand the breed and their needs.Meeting the needs of your dog is an important key to the success of a healthy and happy dog. Energy is important, there are high energy dogs, moderate and low. A high energy dog will not be a good pet for a couch potato, because this will cause behaviour issues among the dog, which is why doing your research before jumping into getting a breed is very important.
High energy dogs will require a lot more than just a stroll down the street, they will need vigorous exercise everyday, such a run/jog twice a day on top of tons of space to roam and have a game of fetch! Some examples of high energy dog breeds are:
1. Australian Cattle Dog - In the herding group. Although adorable, is very high energy, and does best when there is livestock to herd, because of this they may nip at the backs of feet to "herd their people" so not always the best choice for a family with small children.
2. Australian Shepherd (Aussie) - A great choice for high energy families, they are great with kids, and although are herding dogs they are gentle with humans, they are very protective though and don't do well when left alone. They are also highly intelligent making them easily trained.
3. Border Collie - A very intelligent dog, that do amazing in various pet sport competitions, these dogs do great with children and other dogs however they can not always be trusted with other pets, but there are Border Collies living happily with cats so with proper training and socialization this is possible. These dogs also have strong herding instincts and will need to be taught not to nip at heels same as all over dogs in the herding group.
4. Brittany Spaniel - A easily trained dog, used popularly for hunting, does okay with children if raised from puppyhood, but because of hunting instincts a fenced yard would be best as they like to roam. They adapt easily to any environment, and make a great companion dog.
5. Great Pyrenees - This is a very loyal, devoted dog to his/her family, willing to risk his own life, is a protector and wary of strangers. This dog does best with kids when raised from puppyhood, it will need a firm strong willed owner to be the pack leader, tends to be vocal.
6. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - This is a particularly popular breed where I am from, these are devoted family dogs, great with kids, making excellent family dogs for anyone that can provide for their energetic needs. They are wonderful retrievers which makes them excellent ducking dogs, hence their name ;).
Those are just 6 of the many high energy level dog breeds, I was just giving examples and chose the most common in my area. If you wish to read more I get a lot of my information from the following site: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/exercisehigh.htm
Low energy dogs are dogs that still need exercise just not as much, 2 simple walks a day will do them just fine. Some examples of low energy gods are:
1. Bichon Frise - These are happy go lucky, all around intelligent, small dogs that are less yappy than other small breeds, happiest when part of a family.
2. Boston Terrier - Well rounded smaller dog breed, but if not properly trained may become high strung. Does well in an apartment.
3. Chihuahua - Socialization is important in this breed, they can be nervous of strangers and/or other animals if not. They tend to be a little more on the yappy side, and may not be best suited for apartment life because of their barking.
4. Mini Dachshund - Smaller than the dachshund being the pack leader of this breed is important to assure no behaviour issues such as but not limited to: small dog syndrome, and separation anxiety. They can make great family pets with great temperaments if worked with same as all smaller dog breeds.
5. French Bulldog - A well rounded, generally quite, smaller dog, that can make a great pet with proper leadership.
6. Havanese - A generally quiet, great companion dog, with a longer lifespan of 14-15 years, get for apartment life.
7. Italian Greyhound - A wonderful little companion, but without proper socialization it may become nervous around strangers and/or other animals, and this little dog can be difficult to housebreak making them not for everyone.
8. Maltese - Playful, loyal companion makes for a good small dog for families, loves to play outdoors.
9. Pug - A silly little dog, that is a loyal companion, and is likely to make you laugh, is good for apartments as is low energy however obesity is a rising issue amongst this breed of dog.
10. Shih-Tzu - Big things do come in small packages, describes this full of character loyal little dog.
11. Yorkshire Terrier - A little dog with a high prey drive, may not be the best suited for houses with other small animals (rodents), with this dog it is VERY important not to allow it to develop small dog syndrome.
Please keep in mind that all dogs need you as their owner to be the dominant "pack leader" to help reduce the chance of behaviour issues, and in little dogs "Small Dog Syndrome" (I'll do a post on this)
These are only 11 of the many low energy dogs, again I was giving examples of the breeds and general personality information, I find are most popular, and if you would like to read more go to: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/exerciselow.htm
Now just because the these breeds tend to be lower or higher in energy doesn't mean you won't find a lazy high energy dog, or a energetic lower energy dog, it all comes down to each dog as an individual. When picking a dog I hope you understand and are willing to make accommodations to your life for your dog.
Please don't forget you can find many of these dogs at your local SPCA or other animal rescues so don't forget to check them out before seeking a breeder!
another great site for information are: http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds#.Unfpl5H0DwI
or you can take this fun little quiz: http://animal.discovery.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
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