Introducing My Dogs
I’m lucky to share my home with a wonderful range of dog breeds, each with their own special personality and traits. In this article, I’ll provide an overview of the different types of dogs I own, from large retrievers to petite companion breeds. My goal is to showcase the diverse qualities and characteristics across dog types.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 48 million U.S. households own dogs, with mutts being the most popular breed owned [1]. With so many lovable pups around, it’s no wonder dogs are called “man’s best friend.” My own canine companions bring me endless joy and entertainment.
[1] “U.S. pet ownership statistics,” AVMA, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are consistently ranked as the most popular dog breed in the United States according to the American Kennel Club. Originally bred to work alongside fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada and help haul nets, fetch ropes, and retrieve fish, Labs were prized for their intelligence, gentle mouths, and love of water according to the AKC [1].
With origins tracing back to the 1500s, the Labrador Retriever breed was refined and standardized in England in the late 1800s when British nobles prized them as gun dogs. Their keen nose, soft mouth, tolerance for harsh weather, and superior swimming abilities made them excellent at retrieving downed waterfowl. Today’s Labs maintain these instincts and abilities according to the ASPCA [2].
Known for their sweet, friendly temperament, Labs are outgoing, eager to please, and make great family dogs. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation or they can become bored and destructive. Their short, dense coat sheds seasonally and needs weekly brushing. Overall, Labs are intelligent, loyal companions when provided proper training, activity, and care.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are one of the most popular working and herding dog breeds. Originating in Germany, these dogs were originally developed in the late 1800s to herd sheep and protect flocks. Their intelligence, trainability and strong protective instincts made German Shepherds excellent at these jobs.
The breed is named after its country of origin and original purpose – “German Shepherd Dog” directly translates to “Deutscher Schäferhund” in German. They were first exhibited at a dog show in 1882. Over the next few decades, German Shepherd breeding programs focused on developing a working dog with intelligence, athleticism, and working ability (Source).
Today, German Shepherds are known for being highly intelligent, easy to train, agile and athletic. They continue to be popular working dogs in police and military roles, as service dogs, and in search and rescue. Their loyal and protective nature also makes them excellent watchdogs and family guardians. German Shepherds are the second most registered breed by the American Kennel Club.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States due to their friendly, eager to please nature. Originating as gundogs in Scotland in the mid-19th century, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve shot waterfowl with a soft mouth during hunts (AKC, 2022). Their excellent swimming ability, high trainability, intelligence, and gentle nature made them ideal hunting partners. Today, Golden Retrievers are primarily kept as beloved family companions.
Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being exceptionally gentle, patient, and loving with children. Their tolerant attitudes and playful spirits make them wonderful playmates and protectors for kids. Golden Retrievers thrive when included in family activities and are eager to please their owners. Their high intelligence means they are highly trainable and can learn commands, tricks, and jobs easily with positive reinforcement. Golden Retrievers remain one of the top choices for service dogs assisting people with disabilities. Overall, Golden Retrievers are exceptionally friendly, gentle, loyal, and devoted companions (Rover, 2022).
Beagles
One of the most popular hound breeds in the United States, the Beagle is a small to medium-sized scenthound originally developed for hunting rabbits and other small game. Energetic and fun-loving, the Beagle has an excellent sense of smell that makes it an ideal hunting companion. Some fun facts about the history and personality of the Beagle breed:
The Beagle has its origins as one of the earliest hunting scenthounds dating back to the 1500s, when they were bred in England for their ability to pick up scents and track small prey. Their excellent sense of smell comes from their large, wide set nose and big ears that help stir scents up from the ground.
Today, the Beagle is still used for hunting but is more widely known as a lovable family companion. They have a merry personality and enjoy playing games, going for walks, and spending time with their family. Beagles are pack animals and don’t like being left alone for long periods of time.
Beagles have high energy levels and need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Their fun-loving personality means they get along well with children but do best with older children who understand how to properly interact with dogs.
While independent thinkers, Beagles respond well to positive reinforcement training when started young. Early socialization and obedience training is recommended to teach good manners and curtail their tendency to howl when left alone.
Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies originated as sled dogs bred by the Chukchi people of the Siberian peninsula in northeastern Asia for thousands of years (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-facts-siberian-huskies/). They are known for their wolf-like appearance, with thick coats, pointed ears, and piercing blue eyes. The typical Siberian Husky has a dense double coat, with a coarse outer layer and thick, soft undercoat. This insulated coat allows them to thrive in harsh Arctic conditions pulling heavy sleds over long distances.
Due to their heritage as highly active sled dogs, Siberian Huskies are extremely energetic dogs requiring a lot of exercise. They are independent and stubborn at times, but also very affectionate and loyal. With their high energy levels, Husky dogs need a lot of exercise to prevent behavior issues from developing. They thrive with outdoor activities that enable them to run (https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/). Siberian Huskies also tend to live very comfortably in cold climates and do not do well in heat.
Overall, the distinctive Siberian Husky breed stands out with their wolf-like features, amazing endurance as sled dogs, and affectionate yet sometimes mischievous nature. With proper training and activity, they make loyal and loving family companions.
Yorkshire Terriers
One of the most popular toy breeds is the Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie. Originating from Yorkshire, England, the Yorkie was originally bred to hunt rats in clothing mills during the Industrial Revolution. Despite their small size, Yorkies are known for having a bold, confident, and spunky personality.
Weighing under 7 pounds as adults, Yorkies are one of the smallest breeds of dog. However, they have a big dog attitude and presence. Their long, silky, steel blue and tan coat is a defining feature of the breed. Yorkies require regular brushing and maintenance of their flowing floor-length coat. With a texture similar to human hair, a Yorkie’s coat sets them apart from other breeds.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/6-things-about-yorkshire-terriers/
https://www.rover.com/blog/breeds/yorkshire-terrier/
Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are an ancient Chinese companion breed with origins dating back over 1000 years. They were prized for their charming looks, happy temperament, and ability to adapt as a loving lapdog or lively playmate. The name “Shih Tzu” in Mandarin Chinese means “Little Lion,” which is fitting of the breed’s bold, confident, and affectionate nature despite their toy size (AKC, 2022).
Shih Tzus have a long, flowing double coat that requires regular grooming and trimming to stay clean and free of mats. Their beautiful coats come in a variety of colors and require daily brushing and combing. Tying up the hair in a topknot is characteristic of the traditional Shih Tzu look. Though they have modest exercise needs, Shih Tzus thrive on playing games, learning tricks, or joining short walks each day.
With their inherently sociable temperament, Shih Tzus make wonderful family companions. They tend to get along well with children and happily accept cuddles and belly rubs from their humans. Despite their small size, Shih Tzus are surprisingly sturdy, adaptive dogs. With appropriate training and socialization, these loyal little dogs can accompany their owners on adventures or curl up cozily as a lap warmer.
Mix Breeds
I have a few wonderful mix breeds in my home. Mix breeds offer some great benefits but also come with their own challenges.
Some of the benefits of mixed breed dogs according to VCA Animal Hospitals are that they tend to have fewer health issues and live longer than purebreds. They also look very unique with their interesting coat colors and patterns. However, it can be hard to predict their adult size, temperament and exercise needs without knowing the exact breeds in their lineage.
My favorite mix is Marley, who appears to be a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a German Shepherd. He has the playful yet gentle temperament of a Lab, along with the loyalty and trainability of a German Shepherd. I also have Remy, who seems to be a blend of Corgi and Beagle based on his size, cute floppy ears and tendency to howl when he’s excited!
While the lineage of mixes is uncertain, their loveable personalities shine through. The diversity of mixes keeps life interesting, and I enjoy watching their unique traits emerge as they grow.
The Joys of Dog Ownership
Owning dogs has brought me immense joy and enrichment over the years. As the famous saying goes, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. My dogs have been loyal companions who fill my life with laughter, adventure, and unconditional love.
One of the biggest benefits I’ve experienced from having dogs is their ability to reduce stress and improve my overall wellbeing. Numerous scientific studies have shown that pet ownership can lower blood pressure, increase physical activity, and enhance mental health. My dogs have certainly contributed to my healthy and happy lifestyle.
Some of my fondest memories involve hiking trails, playing fetch, and cuddling on the couch with my furry companions. Their playful energy and enthusiasm for life is contagious. My dogs have kept me active by motivating me to walk them daily and explore the outdoors together. They also provide wonderful stress relief after a long day simply by curling up beside me.
In addition to improving my physical and mental wellbeing, my dogs have filled my life with purpose, meaning, and unconditional love. Their endless affection, silly antics, and unwavering loyalty bring me immense joy each day. I feel needed, appreciated, and never alone thanks to my canine pals. They remind me to cherish the simple pleasures in life.
Dog ownership has truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my life’s journey so far. Owning dogs comes with responsibility, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. I’m thankful to share my home and adventures with such loving four-legged friends.
