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DogsBack to Guide to responsible dog ownership Choosing the right dogIntroductionWhether your dog is a pure breed or a mixture of various breeds, its genetic material will influence its character. As your dog may be a member of your family for 15 or more years, it is important to match your dog with your family's needs, and not to select only by looks. If you want an affectionate 'inside' dog you should choose a different breed from if you want a protective 'outside' dog. Talk with owners, breeders, vets, and check your library and the internet for information. Many breed clubs rigorously defend their breed against negative comments; you may want to check the advice with your vet or dog breeders. As the information in this site is from a variety of sources (including British, American and Australian sources), it may not be completely accurate for New Zealand dogs as breeding in other countries may have created slightly different characteristics. Consider how much time you can spend with the dog, how much exercise the dog will need, whether it will be suitable for young children (or elderly people), the size of your property, and its grooming needs. If you are a first time owner, you should avoid the more aggressive breeds. Check if the breed you're interested in has a tendency to develop particular health problems. Most breeds were bred for specific purposes. The main categories are sporting, hound, terrier, toy, working and herding, as well as a catch all category called "utility". Every group has its good and bad points. However, as well as genetic tendencies to certain behaviours, dogs can be considerably influenced by experience and training from the owner, especially if owned as a puppy. Some dogs are listed in more than one category, as there are various opinions about their classifications. 
Breed categories
Sporting dogs/gun dogsThese dogs were bred to hunt and work closely with people. They have been bred to hunt but not to kill and are responsive, intelligent and like to be around people. The UK Kennel Club website says, "They make good companions, their temperament making them ideal all-round family dogs. It is said that they are perhaps the most intelligent of the breeds, resulting in their wide variety of uses and their ease of training. They are active dogs requiring plenty of exercise and attention". If they are trained and active, they will be happy. If they are untrained, they can chew and chase. Includes:
HoundsHounds are probably the oldest category of dog. They were bred to pursue game and will chase but not kill, possessing inhibited aggression. They can be friendly and sociable, especially if exercised and trained. Some hounds bay - a noise that is an acquired taste. If not trained well, they can be howlers and hard to house-train. The UK Kennel Club says, "They require a significant amount of exercise and can be described as dignified, aloof but trustworthy companions." Includes:
TerriersTerriers were bred for purposes such as hunting and killing vermin and are small, tenacious, lively and fearless. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Out of control they can be aggressive, problem barkers, disobedient, and nippers. Includes:
Toy/companion dogsThese dogs were bred to be companions. They can be sweet, gentle, smart and devoted but may be snappy if untrained. They are intelligent companions but spoiled dogs can be over-protective of their owners. Toys are suitable for people with limited living space. These dogs tend to have lower activity levels and therefore lower exercise needs. Includes:
Working dogsWorking dogs are intelligent and trainable. They were trained for a variety of tasks, from pulling sledges, to guarding property and livestock. With good direction and enough activity, they are excellent companions. Otherwise, they can be aggressive and disobedient. This category of dog is most likely to be "tough", territorial and more suitable for an experienced dog owner as they have a higher level of genetic potential for aggression than other categories. The American Kennel Club website says, "Their considerable dimensions and strength alone make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained." Includes:
Herding or pastoral dogsThese dogs are similar to working dogs. They were bred to control livestock, usually sheep and cattle, but also deer and even birds. They have been bred to stalk and herd but not kill, possessing inhibited aggression. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond well to training exercises. They have a tendency to shyness and nipping if not trained and active. Guarding herd dogs were bred to guard and protect, like the German Shepherd. Includes:
The non-sporting or utility groupThis group is a catch-all category for those breeds that do not strictly fit into any other group and consists of an extremely mixed and varied bunch (some breeds could arguably be in other groups). These breeds are of small to medium build with sturdy and balanced frames, often square-like. In general, they are alert and lively. Includes:
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Format to print| Characteristics | Breeds |
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Group 2 - very low reactivity | very low aggression | low trainability
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Group 3 - low reactivity | high aggression | low trainability
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Group 4 - very high trainability | high reactivity | medium aggression
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Group 5 - low aggression | high trainability | low reactivity
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Group 6 - very high aggression | very high trainability | very low reactivity
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Group 7 - very high aggression | high reactivity | medium trainability
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Menacing breeds and types
Under the Dog Control Act 1996 dogs which belong wholly or mainly to one of three breeds and one "type" are classified as "menacing". They must be muzzled in public and may be required to be neutered. They are
- brazilian fila
- japanese tosa
- dogo argentino and
- american pit bull terrier.
Click here for more information.
Useful links
www.canismajor.com/dog - has down-to-earth summaries of the pros and cons of various breeds.
www.petnet.com.au - has an on-line questionnaire covering your lifestyle and preferences in a dog to give you a list of suggested breeds.
www.nzkc.org.nz - the New Zealand Kennel website - has profiles of various breeds, and a "profile page" where breeders talk about their dogs.
www.akc.org - the American Kennel Club website - has lots of information about dog breeds.
www.the-kennel-club.org.uk - the United Kingdom Kennel Club website has a range of information, including the likely lifespan of the various breeds and their grooming requirements.
www.doglinks.co.nz - has links to a lot of other sites and generally useful information.
