On first consideration, it would be quite easy to determine that there is really no such thing as best dog breeds. When you take into account the large number of dog types and the roles that they have been bred to do, trying to choose the best of them all becomes daunting if not an impossible endeavor.
Beyond that, expecting breed alone to be the deciding factor in choosing your best friend is risky at best. You know what I mean. All of us know a neighbor, friend or family member who has adopted a dog from the pound or inherited a canine with dubious lineage, only to end up with the most adorable, obedient, smart companion possible. Mind you, it helps that the pet was treated kindly and cared for by the previous owner. Add children to the equation and the question of best dog breeds goes out the window. They just care that their new companion is fun-loving and playful.
So, are there truly best dog breeds?
It is true that if you do have special needs, or are looking for a dog to assist with very distinct activities such as hunting, search & rescue or patrolling you back yard for critters, then there are best dog breeds for these situations. In fact, it's evident that most dogs have been specifically bred over many generations to excel at very particular duties or to display defined personality traits useful in a variety of applications. For example, you might not want to send a terrier to retrieve a duck or a mountain dog to ferret out a squirrel. On the other hand, if you really did want to recover a duck, choosing between the many retriever breeds would be the way to go. Seems obvious, but much effort, genetic experimentation and expense has led to the breeds we know of 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 like to own a dog?
It may mean that you just haven't met your best dog breed. Dogs that address this need generally do not shed or shed very little. Shedding can be a major cause of an allergic reaction. Limited or no shedding dogs therefore could be perfect for you. Also, breeds that do not drool or manufacture less saliva can be better companions to an allergic person. Dander also is a contributing factor so be on the look out for breeds that minimally produce it. An allergy doesn't have to mean that you can't enjoy the companionship of a dog. It does mean that you must do your homework regarding the characteristics of particular breeds to find a subset of dogs that don't "get under your skin."
On a different level, you may have the need to protect a home or place of work or wish to have a particular area guarded. Numerous dog breeds are perfect for just this type of requirement. They tend to be especially protective of their owners and their owner's family. This gives them an inherent mistrust of those that are not recognizable or might be a threat. With proper training and socialization as puppies, these breeds can be simultaneously loving and watchful at the same time. They can be bold and daring when necessity requires but only when they perceive a threat. As a result, early and effective training is essential for these types of breeds.
Just two examples of how specific dog breeds can be the answer to an owners preferences or needs. There is no utilitarian dog breed in my opinion. Oh sure, some breeds, by their nature, size and bearing, will be more successful in more diverse situations, but generally speaking, dogs are very much the product of their breed. You need to determine exactly what is it that you are looking for in a companion, protector or both. Will children or elderly be significantly involved in the relationship? If so, the dogs demeanor is very important and therefore critical to a successful pairing.
Throughout this article, we have primarily discussed breeds. It is worth mentioning that dogs of mixed breed can be every bit as playful, loving, protective, smart and talented as a pure breed. City and county pounds are full of just these types of dogs. In fact, it could be said that your best dog breed is just such an animal. Rescuing a dog is not only an honorable thing to do but could very well reward you with a best friend that meets all you requirements.
Also, breeding alone doesn't produce the perfect dog. Owners must return the affection they receive, care for, protect and effectively train their dog to ensure a happy, healthy and emotionally balanced companion.
Your best dog breed is for you to determine. With the proper research you will find your companion, protector or hunting buddy and be rewarded with many years of affection and enjoyment.
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