Internet Helped Pick Canine Of Choice

Fun project picking a dog breed. Just for fun I decided to look for a dog breed that I would like. I have four children (ages 7-14), cats, and chickens in the back yard. I rented as many books as I could carry from the library. Then I found this cute little dog program on the internet to help me select my dog. It was very interesting, but I don't know that it was accurate. I enjoyed reading the dog breed books much more after the program helped lead me in certain directions.

Input to the program a breed that was not too, nor too small and not be a a good protector High priority was given to a dog that was good with people, and didn't shed too much. I also did not want dog that drooled or unintelligent dog. Wanted a dog I can feel will keep the home secure and keep intruders at bay. I didn't really care about what type of hair. Thought a swimmer would be nice since we are in Michigan by so many lakes and also wanted a dog that I could take hunting if I pick up the sport. Also, I did not want a dog with a short lifespan or too many physical allergies or medical conditions.

The results were not what I expected. First choice didn't exist and suggested a cross bred. The real choices were Beagle, Sussex Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and a Poodle. Poodle didn't seem like a guard dog or a hunting dog. The percentages showed a 60 percent match to my criteria. I guess I wanted to many things.

Mixed breeds, I really want a pure bred this time maybe it's pride, but I just do. Ok lets look at the other choices. The Beagle reads nice, it's a little smaller than I'd like but has a good temperament and has a history as a hunting dog for Century's. The Sussex Spaniel I actually liked more than I thought. The dog breed is rarer probably because it's a little slower than the Spaniel Breeds. I like its squattier more powerful breed. The hair is great for going through thick brush and won't run to fast and loose a man on foot. Also, the Sussex is renowned for its informative bark, and communicates by its tone back to its owner like music. The English Cocker Spaniel, unquestionably is a very beautiful dog and has some very attractive qualities. It makes a great show, house and game dog. Has the long ancestor and isn't to big and very lively, He will need lots of space to run and entertain him - maybe the computer program isn't a total loss. Lastly the Poodle was my biggest surprise as an origin as tough water retrievers and super smart and agility that made them a pick to be circus dogs. I still don't think I will own on as long as I am living with my wife or daughter who would undoubted give it one of those crazy dogg trimming with a shaved rear and little rings around its feet.

The computer program wasn't bad, I think I entered the wrong weight because my target sized is about 1o pounds heavier. Research was helped with "Desmond Morris Dogs" the ultimate dictionary of over 1000 Dog Breeds, and also the "Complete Dog Book", by the AKC- American Kennel Club. I did like the descriptions most in the Desmond Morris book, unfortunately it did not have real picture but only black and white drawings which were very real. The Complete Dog Book which has less dogs, but more official information about "Official Standards" for each breed.