Picking Your Pup – Dog Breeds
German Shepherd
- Direct, fearless, alert, bold, cheerful, obedient, eager to learn.
- Loyal, courageous, serious, not naturally hostile.
- Will only bark when necessary.
- Should be extensively socialized as they have a strong protective instinct.
- Extensive obedience training beginning early is needed.
- Max 85 pounds.
- Health problems may include epilepsy, eczema, keratitis, hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, dwarfism and flea allergies.
- Heavy shedder, daily brushing needed, bathe rarely.
- Ok in apartments, but needs strenuous activity combined with training as their extreme intelligence will require challenges.
Golden Retriever
- Loveable, well mannered, charming, easy to train.
- Active, loving and eager to please.
- Outstanding family dog, good with children and other dogs, needs to be around people to be happy.
- May be mischievous if left alone for long periods of time.
- Good watchdog, loves to swim.
- May be overactive and distractible.
- Max 80 pounds.
- Health problems may include hip dysplasia and congenital eye defects, heart problems, skin allergies (can be serious and need immediate veterinary care), also tends to overfeed and put on weight.
- Easy to groom, dry shampoo regularly but bathe only when needed, average shedder.
- Ok in apartments but need to be exercised regularly, moderately active indoors.
Great Dane
- Gentle, dignified, kind and affectionate.
- Playful and patient with children, loves to be around people.
- Minimal barker, only when necessary, only becomes aggressive when needed.
- Responsible, dependable, brave and loyal.
- May be difficult to train, ok with other dogs if they are raised together.
- Max 200 pounds.
- Health problems include hip dysplasia, bloat, tumors, heart disease and tail injuries. This breed does not have a long life span.
- Easy to groom, average shedder, dry shampoo only when necessary.
- Ok in apartments but need plenty of exercise.
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