Are you considering adopting a pet dog? But before you pick out your new pal, take a look at the most common dog breeds, their sizes and their personality traits. This will help you in determining which dog goes best with your lifestyle and personality.
1. Beagle
Size: 14- 16 inches
Coat: Compact and sturdy; short and easy-to-care coat
Personality profile: This is a smart and stubborn dog and needs firm but not strict obedience training. An athletic dog, loves outdoor activities and play. If not given enough exercise it can become destructive. Generally good with children and other pets.
Living Conditions: not meant for apartment living and inactive owners.
2. Boxer
Size: 22- 25 inches
Coat: short and easy to care for coat
Personality Profile: Strong and sturdy dog; whether young or old they love to be playful and loving. They love cuddling and snuggling to those they love. Very intelligent and alert, they make good watch dogs. They need firm obedience training or can take charge early.
Living conditions: These are bred as working dogs and need lot of exercise. Can turn rowdy and protective if not well-trained.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Size: 14- 15 inches
Coat: silky, flat or wavy; needs to be trimmed once a month
Personality Profile: These are active dogs with average intelligence and make good family pets. Tend to playful and need to be exercised daily to keep them happy. Can be trained easily.
Living Conditions: Ideal for apartment living if can be exercised daily or they might turn hyperactive.
4. German Shepherd
Size: 24- 26
Coat: Short-haired but needs daily brushing
Personality Profile: they are smart, courageous, strong, loyal and faithful dogs which makes them ideal companion dogs. They have a protective instinct and can be bold and determined at the same time. Good with children but need to bond first.
Living conditions: They do not like to left alone for long and prefer playing outdoors. Need to be trained and socialized while they are young.
5.Golden Retriever
Size: 22- 24 inches
Coat: Medium length coat which needs regular brushing.
Personality Profile: They are even tempered, active, smart and playful dogs. They are friendly and obedient and make good family pets. They need lots of exercise and love to be praised which makes it very easy to train them. Living Conditions: They do not like to be confined and have a keen sense of smell. Not any good as guard dogs as they are friendly with strangers.
6. Labrador Retriever
Size: 22- 24 inches
Coat: Short and water-resistant coat which needs regular grooming.
Personality Profile: Young at heart and bouncy- this dog is popular with maximum number of people. This is a happy, intelligent and energetic dog. Easy to train and loves its people.
Living conditions: ideal for apartment living and has high tolerance for hot and cold weather.
7. Rottweiler
Size: 22- 27 inches
Coat: short coat which needs minimal grooming
Personality Profile: They have a primal protective instinct and hence make excellent watch dogs. Incredibly loyal, obedient and intelligent, they would give a cold shoulder to strangers. They are working dogs and need a job at hand.
Living Conditions: Best suited for country homes which have a yard at least. Need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
8. Yorkshire Terrier
Size: 6- 7 inches
Coat: a long coat which needs to be brushed regularly
Personality Profile: They are affectionate and make great pets. Energetic and playful, get along well with children. Easy to train but can be willful.
Living conditions: Good for apartment living but do not pamper them in excess.
