Dogs offer more than just love and affection. They can also help in doing more things based on their characteristics and abilities. These four-legged animals are grouped into seven major types to help us identify what they can do and how we can take good care of them.
• Working Dogs comprise a group of broadly similar breeds who can be watchdogs and pull carts or sleds. Most of these breeds can make excellent family pets, but some are pretty large and dominant to be a pet for inexperienced owners. The American Kennel Club (AKC), an advocate for the purebred dog, recognizes 31 breeds under the Working Group. Examples include Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Akitas, Anatolian Shepherds, Huskies, Saint Bernards, and more.
To have a working dog as a pet, you should consider getting big spaces. They range from medium to large, wherein most will weigh 40 pounds and up and will need enough room to play and exercise. Some working dogs have thick double coats, and more than just regular grooming, they should also have an anti-tick or anti-flea treatment.
• Herding Dogs, originally bred to herd livestock, have incredible intelligence and energy. Examples of dogs in the Herding Group include Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Old English Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervurens, Canaan Dogs, Briards, Bouvier des Flandres, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherds. They love physical activities and need mental stimulation, according to Rover.com. Otherwise, they can get bored, leading to bad habits like digging, barking, and chewing.
Socialization is also essential if you have a herding dog, as they have a ton of energy inside. You can start by training your fur baby to walk on a leash calmly. Herding Dogs love to walk outside, and we can protect them against any parasites with a pet health expert or veterinarian-recommended treatment and vitamins.
• Initially bred for hunting, Hound Dogs have excellent hunting skills using their powerful sense of smell and sight, making them perfect to be part of law enforcement operations. Examples of dogs in the Hound Group include Basset Hounds, Salukis, Beagles, Harriers, American Foxhounds, English Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Dachshunds, Otterhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Greyhounds, and more.
Hound dogs are affectionate and strong-willed. They are a very diverse group of dogs, not only in size and appearance but also in the types of pets they make. Scent hounds have long ears and facial wrinkles that need regular cleaning as they are prone to infections. On the other hand, the sighthounds that run a lot and chase after anything need a leash or secure fence. Their deep chests make them subject to bloat, and they are sensitive to anesthesia.
• Sporting Dogs are high-energetic dogs who love the outdoors and retrieving games. There are four basic types of Sporting dogs: spaniels, pointers, retrievers, and setters. Some of the breeds in this group, such as retrievers, are skilled swimmers, while three letters, spaniels, and pointing breeds are known experts in hunting games.
Taking care of these outdoor-loving dogs means being an active outdoor-lover, too, as these energetic, alert dogs will require plenty of exercise and time spent outdoors. They also need full-time protection aside from regular bathing. Tick, fleas, and other infections can be a year-round problem for outdoor dogs so be sure to get protection against these. Ask your pet’s vet about it.
• Non-sporting Dogs are loving pets that are not really into sports and physical activities. They also don’t fit into other groups like working, hunting, hound, and toy, because the AKC originally registered dogs as either Sporting or Non-Sporting. Other significant groups were separated from time to time, and all the uncategorized dogs were left under the Non-Sporting Group.
Most of these dogs are good house dogs and watchdogs, but even if they are just indoors, they are still prone to different parasites that could infect them and bring them diseases. This is why whether our dogs are indoors or part of the non-sporting group, we should still give them the same protection that the outdoor and working dogs should get.
• Toy Dogs are small dogs that can be perfect as lap dogs. Examples of dogs in the Toy Group include Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pugs, and more. Toy dogs are so cute and portable and are ideal for apartment living or anyone with limited space. They are intelligent, friendly, and full of energy, and despite their small stature, many do have strong protective instincts and prominent personalities.
Tiny dogs often live significantly longer than their large and giant breed counterparts, but they need extra care to handle as their body parts are small and prone to traumatic injuries. They also deserve the same care the big dogs get, such as going to veterinarians and pet clinics regularly for checkups and doing exercise outside.
• Terriers were initially bred to kill vermin (which they remain very good at), but they have become beloved watchdogs and pets. Terriers need a variety of outlets to release their abundant energy, including lots of exercise. Despite the small size of many terriers, the group tends to be incredibly athletic. They can make ideal workout partners for activities like hiking, jogging, and long walks. Some terrier dogs also require special grooming called “stripping” to maintain their characteristic appearance.
Breeds in the Terrier Group are excellent competitors in the sport of Earthdog because of their hobby to dig, stick their faces underground, and bring something in their mouths. Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can get certain health conditions. So, aside from exercise and proper nutrition, a regular vet visit should also be prioritized.
No matter what type of breed our dogs are, even the healthiest pets can suffer from different illnesses brought by the infestation of fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Ticks and fleas are parasites that feed off your pet’s blood and cause infection or spread disease. It is easier to prevent flea and tick infestations than to deal with an active infestation. Clearing your pet and your household from parasites can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavor.
Many products and remedies can protect your dog from fleas and ticks, but only the veterinarian can recommend the best treatment. It is always best to check with your vet before beginning any treatment on your furry pal.
To know more about keeping your dog tick-, flea-, and mite-free, visit www.bravecto.com.ph or follow us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bravecto.ph.
