At first glance, it would be quite easy to determine that there really are no such thing as the best dog breeds. When you consider the myriad of types of dogs and the roles they’ve been bred for, trying to pick the best of them all becomes a daunting, if not impossible task.
Beyond that, expecting race to be the deciding factor in choosing your best friend is risky at best. You know what I mean. We all know a neighbor, friend, or family member who adopted a dog from the pound or inherited a canine of dubious lineage, only to end up with the most adorable, obedient, and intelligent companion possible. Of course, it helps that the pet has been treated and cared for kindly by the previous owner. Add children to the equation and the question of the best dog breeds disappears. They only care that their new partner is fun and playful.
So do the best dog breeds really exist?
It’s true that if you have special needs, or are looking for a dog to help you with many different activities, like hunting, search and rescue, or patrolling your backyard for critters, then there are the best dog breeds for these situations. In fact, it is evident that most dogs have been specifically bred over many generations to excel at very particular tasks or to display definite personality traits useful in a variety of applications. For example, you may not want to send a terrier to retrieve a duck or a mountain dog to discover a squirrel. On the other hand, if you really wanted to retrieve a duck, choosing from the many retriever breeds would be the way to go. It seems obvious, but much effort, genetic experimentation, and expense have led to the breeds we know today and their inherent specialties, attributes, personalities, temperament, and size for which they are known.
Are you an allergic person? Do dogs bother you? make your life miserable but would you like to have a dog?
It may mean that you just haven’t met your best breed of dog. Dogs that address this need generally don’t shed or shed very little. Shedding can be a major cause of an allergic reaction. Therefore, dogs with limited or no shedding might be perfect for you. Also, breeds that don’t drool or produce less saliva may be better companions for an allergy sufferer. Dander is also a contributing factor, so keep an eye out for breeds that produce it minimally. An allergy does not have to mean that you cannot enjoy the company of a dog. It means you have to do your homework regarding the characteristics of particular breeds to find a subset of dogs that won’t “get under your skin.”
On another level, you may have a need to protect a home or workplace or want to have a particular area watched. Numerous breeds of dogs are perfect for this type of requirement. They tend to be especially protective of their owners and their owners’ family. This gives them an inherent distrust of those who are not recognizable or who could be a threat. With proper training and socialization as puppies, these breeds can be affectionate and watchful at the same time. They can be bold and daring when the need calls for it, but only when they perceive a threat. Therefore, early and effective training is essential for this type of breed.
Just two examples of how specific dog breeds can be the answer to owner preferences or needs. In my opinion, there is no such thing as a utilitarian breed of dog. Sure, some breeds, by their nature, size, and demeanor, will be more successful in more diverse situations, but in general, dogs are very much the product of their breed. You must determine exactly what you are looking for in a partner, protector, or both. Will children or the elderly be significantly involved in the relationship? If so, the behavior of the dogs is very important and therefore essential for a successful couple.
Throughout this article, we have mainly discussed breeds. It’s worth mentioning that mixed breed dogs can be just as playful, loving, protective, intelligent, and talented as purebreds. City and county kennels are full of these types of dogs. In fact, it could be said that your best breed of dog is such an animal. Rescuing a dog is not only an honorable thing to do, but it could also reward you with a best friend who ticks all the boxes for him.
Also, breeding alone does not produce the perfect dog. Owners must return the love they receive, care for, protect and educate their dog effectively to ensure a happy, healthy and emotionally balanced companion.
Your best breed of dog is for you to determine. With the right research, you’ll find your mate, protector, or hunting partner and be rewarded with many years of affection and fun.
