Are you looking to get a purebred or mixed breed dog? Which breed to choose? Male or female? When choosing a dog, the first question that arises is whether you want a purebred dog or a crossbreed?
There are many advantages when choosing a crossbreed, due to their more diverse genetic material, less susceptibility to hereditary diseases and, in principle, they live longer. Also, adopting a dog from a street or shelter is one of the noblest things you can do.
There is the problem of not knowing the parents and if you get a very young puppy, you cannot know for sure what size it will reach. If you want to get a purebred dog, you should be clear about whether you will take the dog to exhibitions. In that case, it is necessary to pay attention to the pedigree of the dog, because the dogs must meet the strict standards of certain breeds.
There are several dog organizations in the world that recognize and classify dog breeds, the most important of which is the International Kennel Club (FCI). To date, about 330 dog breeds are recognized and classified into 10 groups by the FCI:
- Group I – Shepherd dogs and those that chase cattle
- Group II – Pinches, Schnauzers, Molossers and Swiss Shepherds
- Group III – Terriers
- Group IV – Dachshunds
- Group V – Spitz and primitive type dogs
- Group VI – Hounds, trackers and related breeds
- Group VII – Poultrymen and setters
- Group III – Retrievers and water dogs
- Group IX – Dogs for companionship and entertainment
- Group X – Greyhounds
Each group of dogs has common characteristics, but each breed is somewhat specific. We suggest that you pay attention to the following characteristics of breeds:
- physical characteristics – height, weight, hair
- personality – although breed specific, there is little chance you will ever come across an aggressive Bichon or mischievous English Bulldog
- nurturing
- health characteristics – pay attention to the predisposition to certain diseases and the life span of the dog
- need for space and walks
- breed history – remember this if you want to impress other owners at the park
