Picking out family-oriented pups isn't always an easy decision.
With so many different breeds to choose from, how do you find the
one you really want? According to FastCoDesign, math might be the
secret to bringing a dog into your
home.
David McCandless, a data journalist and information designer
based out of London, set out to provide legitimate analysis of
the world's favorite pooches. Odds are you have read different
articles on unique breeds or followed the Westminster Kennel Club
Dog Show to find out which canine appeals to you the most. But
there's never been a quantitative reason for choosing dogs -
until now.McCandless created a graphic that breaks down pooches
by several qualities, including intelligence, lack of genetic
disorders, grooming, and estimated costs. He combined each
breed's rankings for the categories along an X-axis and their
overall popularity on a Y-axis. This model helped determine
whether they were "underrated" or "rightly ignored," according to
McCandless.After his lengthy analysis, McCandless determined that
border terriers and Welsh springer spaniels were undervalued,
while English bulldogs were overrated. While some of his analysis
is useful, the chart doesn't need to be the linchpin in your
decision-making.
How do you pick the right pooch?
It's important to remember that dogs require a lot of upkeep to
maintain their health. From daily walks, training, and regular
grooming, there's always work to be done with your canine. But
they're like another child and choosing the best family-oriented
pups for your household is challenging. The outside magazine
recommended everyone's favorite family
pooch: the Labrador retriever. One of the most popular dogs
in the nation, these canines are fiercely loyal and smart. This
makes them easy to train and allows your kids to help take care
of them. Labs are a medium to large breed that requires a lot of
exercises, so make sure you're ready to dish out the high
quantity of exercise and engagement they need. The I Love Dogs
Site suggested that owners with younger children
consider adopting Boxers into their families. One of this
breed's most endearing qualities is its love for kids.
These family-oriented pups crave human interaction
and prefer to be close by their owners rather than off on their
own. Whichever breed you choose, be sure to sign up
for PetPlus to access discounted accessories and
supplements for your new canine.
Medium Dog Breeds to Choose From
A dogโs size is one of the most important factors to consider
when searching for the right breed to bring home. This is because
the size of a dog has a direct impact on their lifestyle, and in
turn, yours. Large dogs require a great deal of exercise, plenty
of room to move around, and generally cost more than smaller dogs
when it comes to food, grooming, and other expenses. Small
and miniature dogs can
make great companion pets, but they may not be the best fit if
you want to involve your dog in outdoor activities
like hiking or camping.
For prospective owners who are looking for something in between,
a medium dog breed may be a perfect choice. Medium-sized dogs
generally weigh 23-44 lbs., and there is a variety of
anything-but-average breeds to choose from. Below are some of the
most popular.
The Basenji (pictured above) is an ancient breed that has been
around for over 5,000 years. These happy and spirited dogs can
be easily trained, and
are always eager to please their owners. The Basenji gets along
with other dogs, but they may not enjoy the company of non-canine
animals or small children.
This famous hunting dog has evolved over the years into the
perfect family pet. Lively, curious, and often mischievous, the
Beagle thrives on companionship with their owners as well as
other dogs. Be careful with your food around a Beagle -- their
hunting instincts havenโt been bred out, and they are scent
hounds who enjoy tracking down a tasty meal.
One of the most intelligent breeds, the Border Collie is highly
obedient and craves attention. Their level of intelligence means
that this breed needs plenty of stimulation and exercise. These
dogs are not very friendly with cats or dogs of the same sex and
donโt exhibit much patience with children.
The Boston Terrier is an ideal pet. These dogs are loyal,
obedient, and very easy to train. Among dog lovers, the Boston
Terrier is often referred to as the โpeople pleaserโ for its
agreeable personality and loving temperament.
Bred as hunting dogs and brought to the US from the UK by the
late 1800s, Cocker Spaniels are today one of the most popular
breeds. With long ears and penetrating eyes, these dogs are
happy, adaptable, and easy to train. Early socialization will
help with any tendency toward timidity that can sometimes occur
in this breed.
This breed is lauded as the ancestor of all English hunting
spaniels, and the term โspringerโ comes from the technique of
โspringingโ game out from bushes and into the air. These
fun-loving, sociable, and energetic dogs love outdoor activities
such as games of fetch, swimming, and long
walks.
The stumpy and adorable French Bulldog with its signature โbatโ
ears is a popular choice in the medium dog breed category. These
jovial, affectionate, and easy-going companion dogs enjoy daily
walks and tend to bond most closely with one special person.
Low, long, and stocky, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an outgoing,
intelligent, and devoted breed. These dogs tend to be wary of
strangers and have a protective streak, which makes them
excellent watchdogs.
This elegant sporting breed has a slender and athletic build.
Despite being affectionate, these dogs have rather independent
personalities and must be handled and trained gently. The Whippet
is not too fond of strangers but gets along easily with children
and other dogs.
More on Dog Breeds
Popular Designer Dog Breeds
Facts
The Best Dog Breeds for Older
People
The Best Dog Breeds for Fancy
Grooming
