Puppies. Amy Fernandez

sense of smell. The twenty-two hound breeds currently recognized by the AKC vary drastically in size and shape, but they are all mentally and physically designed to track and catch prey. They can be a challenge to train, however, as they are easily distracted and may simply “tune out” human communications. They may impulsively chase any bird, squirrel, or ball that catches their attention. They are not always reliable with small animals and other pets. Leash training, obedience training, and a securely fenced yard are mandatory for these breeds.

       Lure Coursing

       THE SPORT OF LURE COURSING IS DESIGNED TO TEST skills of sighthounds—hunting hounds who instinctively chase and catch prey. In lure coursing, an artificial lure, suspended from a pulley, stands in for the prey. Dogs are timed as they pursue this “quarry” around the course. Several organizations offer events for both novices and competitive titleholders. Both the AKC (http://www.akc.org) and the American Sighthound Field Association (http://www.asfa.org) sponsor events and offer lure coursing titles.

      Excellent trackers, bloodhounds such as this one are also affectionate and outgoing, and they do well with children and other dogs.

      NONSPORTING BREEDS

      Nonsporting breeds come from a wide range of backgrounds, making it difficult to generalize about them. Some have been traditionally bred as companions. Others, such as dalmatians and bulldogs, were bred for a working function that has now become obsolete. Although the nonsporting breeds vary drastically in size, type, and heritage, all were designed to interact with humans in some capacity and are therefore characteristically sociable.

      Much loved by moviegoers, dalmatians generally make good companions and dependable watchdogs.

      SPORTING BREEDS

      Like hounds, sporting dogs are natural hunters. Setters, spaniels, pointers, and retrievers are some of the world’s most popular breeds. Unlike hounds, sporting breeds are generally very sociable and highly responsive to human direction. They also have a tremendous amount of energy and stamina. Their exercise requirements are significant as is their need for social interaction. They are tireless and have a strong natural resistance to harsh environmental conditions. This means that an Irish setter will still probably insist on a two-hour run in the park in the pouring rain.

      TERRIER BREEDS

      Hardy, courageous, and self-sufficient, ancient terrier breeds were expected to hunt, eradicate vermin, guard the home, and serve as entertaining companions. Although they were developed as working dogs, terriers function primarily as companions today. Thanks to their compact sizes, smart appearances, and vivacious personalities, terriers are popular. They can be the perfect choice for owners who have small living spaces, and they make great playmates for active children. Attentive and fearless, they can be brilliant watchdogs. However, a bored or neglected terrier may resort to compulsive barking, digging, or destructive chewing. Without early comprehensive socialization to other dogs, some terriers have the potential to become dog aggressive. Due to their strong predatory instinct, terriers generally cannot be trusted with other small animals in your home.

       Earthdog Trials

       EARTHDOG TRIALS ARE SPECIALIZED EVENTS FOR dachshunds and terrier breeds that “go to ground” in pursuit of game. The trial involves testing the dog’s hunting aptitude, in this case tracking prey, usually a rabbit or rat safely secured in a cage, through a series of prefabricated tunnels. Dogs become eligible for a series of titles—Junior Earthdog, Senior Earthdog, Master Earthdog—as they complete increasingly complex tests. To learn more about these events, visit http://www.akc.org/events/earthdog/index.cfm or http://www.dirt-dog.com (GTG Tunnels).

      TOY BREEDS

      Toys come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are miniaturized versions of hounds or terriers who retain many of the basic traits associated with their larger counterparts. Others were developed solely to appeal to human companions, so they are naturally attuned to human interaction, are highly sociable, and are adaptable to a wide range of lifestyle demands. Easily portable, they make great travel companions. Smaller breeds are also noted for their longevity; however, their small sizes decrease their resistance to weather conditions and increase their risks for accidental injuries and escapes.

      Toys are often the best choice for someone who is not prepared to cope with the care requirements of larger dogs. Daily upkeep is relatively undemanding and inexpensive. This does not mean that small dogs don’t require regular exercise and grooming—they do, and many of them can be even more energetic than larger dogs.

      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.

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