doggiedews logo

testimonialsInformation about the bookview a sample of the bookbackground information about the authorinformative and interesting articleshome pagee-mail mewebsite indexprivacy policyfrequently asked questions


Choosing the Right Dog


   Some would say that choosing the right dog for you is a no-brainer. I personally have always liked the bigger mixed breed dogs and throughout my life that is the type of dog I have always chosen. A customer of mine also chose that type of dog throughout her life but when she reached 65 and decided to get a big mixed breed dog she ended up having to find another home for him. She would take him for a walk and be totally exhausted afterwards from trying to control him on a leash. She tried doggie school to no avail, he still used his weight to out maneuver her. Although given time and training he might have made a good companion for her, the time was wearing her down. He lives with a family of older children and last I heard is doing great. She now owns a smaller dog and both are also happy.
   Another thing to keep in mind is that breeding is everything when it comes to the pure bred dog. If someone breeds a dog with thyroid problems to another dog with a serious attitude problem. Guess what? There could be a problem in the future for the puppies and their new owners. A good breeder will usually test their puppies for certain things that may be a concern for the breed. Hip dysplasia, thyroid problems and so forth. So it is important to really check out the health risks with the breed you are interested in and make sure you find a reputable breeder.
   No matter what breed of dog you welcome into your home you must start at an early age to socialize and train them. Without these things any dog can become a problem child. Get them around other dogs, lots of people and noisy situations. The more you expose them to, the better. Teach them to come when they are called, what no means, and what is unacceptable behavior.
   My opinions are directed toward the pet dog and not the show dog. Different rules apply when showing your dog. I believe that all dogs require brushing and should be taught at a very early age. I have also rated dog grooming with stars from 1 - 5. One star, being the easiest in grooming maintenance. And five stars, being the most difficult. Certain things should be done with each grooming. Brushing should be done on all dogs. Even the very short hair dog should be brushed to stimulate the oils in the skin and help keep the coat healthy. Toe nail clipping and ear cleaning should be done on all dogs.
   Here is a list of manually selected web sites that I hope will help you to choose your new friend. I have chosen these web sites for their content, most addressing health and dispositions, among other things. I have also chosen the most common breeds in the United States. There are so many breed of dogs in our country I could not possibly give you information on all of them. I could probably go on and on about my own personal views on most breeds but I will try and keep it short. Just one bit of advice: If you live in the mountains of Montana you might not want to get a Dalmation. If you have white carpet you may not want to get a Newfoundland. Use common sense and do your homework in finding out about the breed. Even if you decide on a mixed breed dog, a terrier mix may be tenacious.




  star ratings are for ease of grooming
1 being easiest, and 5 being most difficult

it should be noted that this
is my own personal opinion
down page

  • The Afghan Hound is a very elegant breed with a good nature. Brushing should be done on a daily basis. Information about the Afghan can be found at yourpurebredpuppy.com . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Airedale Terrier can be strong willed. The wiry coat requires regular brushing and grooming every 6-8 weeks. More often if knots start before that period. You can find information on them at petpremium.com1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Akita Inu is a beautiful dog. They require regular brushing and grooming to remove their shedding under coat. A good resource for information on them is at dogster.com 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Alaskan Malamute can grow to be very large. They require regular brushing and grooming to remove their shedding under coat. Information on the breed can be found at alaskanmalamute.org 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The American Eskimos are a medium sized dog and great information on them can be found at petwave.com. They require regular brushing and grooming to remove their shedding under coat.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating

  • The Australian Shepherd is a very smart, loving dog. They require regular grooming and brushing, especially around their haunches, chest and neck. For more information go to dogbreedinfo..com.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Basenji is a medium size dog that is bark less, yes that's right, bark less. Their maintenance is minimal, but should include a regular bath. At hillspet.com you will find out more information on the breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Basset Hounds can whine a bit but make up for it in personality. Their maintenance is minimal, attention should be taken to keep their ears clean both inside and out. basset-bhca.org is a good resource for information.1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Beagle is a nice breed. Their ears should be kept clean and they should receive regular baths. Information on them can be found at beaglesavvy.com1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Bearded Collie is a beautiful large dog. They require regular grooming and brushing, especially where the hair is the longest. Find information on them at dog.com1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Bedlington Terrier is an interesting looking dog and makes a good companion. They require grooming about every 6-8 weeks, more often if they start getting knots. Go to petful.com for more information about this happy breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Bernese Mountain Dog is a good natured large breed dog. They require regular brushing and grooming to remove the shedding under coat. Information about them can be found at bmdca.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating







down page

  • The Bichon Frise is a good dog for people with allergies. They usually have an independent attitude. They require regular brushing and grooming every 4-6 weeks, more often if they begin to get knots. Here is a resource for information on them at bichonfriseusa.com 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Bloodhound is a great breed. They are usually affectionate and make good family dogs. They should get regular baths. Their ears require frequent cleaning both inside and out. More information can be found atomlet.us .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Blue Heeler also called the Queensland Heeler makes a good cattle dog. They can sometimes become one person dogs so socialize and train them. Regular grooming to remove the shedding under coat is necessary. Find information about them at dogharness-solutions.com1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Border Collies are a very intelligent herder. They have been known to herd small children. They require regular brushing and grooming to remove the under coat. Information on them can be found at Bordercollie.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Boston Terrier is a happy, energetic little dog. They make good family dogs. Very low maintenance for grooming. Find out more about the at Boston-terrier-i.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Boxer is a nice breed and makes a good family dog. A regular bath and their good to go. For more information on boxer dogs go to dogbreedindex. 1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Brittany Spaniel is a good hunting dog. Training and socializing are important and rewarding because they are an intelligent breed. They require regular grooming. For more information go to dog-learn.com.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Brussels Griffon is an unusual looking small dog. They are often shy but very playful. They should be groomed every 6-8 weeks, more often if they get knotted. Go to animaroo.com for more info.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Bulldog is usually a very friendly dog. As with any dog, they should be bathed regularly. At bulldogs.com you can find out more.1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Cairn Terriers are usually nice dogs with a little terrier attitude. They make good watch dogs. They should be brushed regularly. They should be groomed every 6-8 weeks, more often if needed. For more information go to cairnterrier.org 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a good bird dog. A regular bath to remove the shedding under coat is required. More information can be found at amchessieclub.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Chinese Crested is a small dog that is hairless except on his head, lower legs and tail. Brushing the long hair, what little their is, is required along with regular bathes. Find out more about them at chinesecrestedcrush.com 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating







down page

  • The Chow Chow is a large dog that with good breeding and training can make a good companion. They should be taught to be brushed at a very young age. Regular brushing and grooming are required to remove the shedding under coat. A good resource for information about them is at facts-about-dogs.info 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Clumber Spaniel is usually a gentle layed back dog. Regular bathing is required. Information about them can be found at clumbers.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Cockapoo is a mix between the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. Usually a small dog with an energetic personality. They usually require grooming every 6-8 weeks. More often if necessary. Learn more at dogpack.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Cocker Spaniels are a popular breed. With socializing and training they make very sensitive companions. They require regular brushing and grooming about every 6-8 weeks, more often if necessary. cockerspanielinformation.com is a good source for information on all colors and breeds of Cocker Spaniel.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Collie is a wonderful large dog. Regular brushing and grooming are required to remove the under coat. Find out more at collieclubofamerica.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Corgi is a small breed dog that thinks he is a large breed dog. Grooming to remove the shedding under coat is required. More information about them can be found at pet365.co.uk .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Coonhound is another good hunting dog. It specializes in tracking and treeing it's quarry. A regular bath is what they need. Find more information about them at k9rl.com 1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Dachshund is an easy maintenance small dog. A soft brush to stimulate that coat and a regular bath are needed. For great information about them go to dachshund.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Dalmations are fairly easy maintenance dogs. A regular bath and a sort brush to stimulate the coat and remove shedding hair is recommended. Go to dalrescue.org for more information about the Dalmation.1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is another interesting looking breed. They require regular grooming, every 6-8 weeks, more often if necessary. Learn out more about them at 22dog.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Doberman Pinscher is an easy maintenance large breed dog. A soft brush to stimulate the coat and a regular bath are needed. Go to seattle-attorney.com for excellent information about the breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Elkhound (Norwegian Elkhound) is playful large breed. They require regular brushing and bathing to remove the shedding under coat. Find out more about them at neaa.net . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Wire Fox Terriers make a good small breed watch dog. They should be shown at an early age how to be brushed. They require brushing and grooming about every 6-8 weeks. More often if necessary. Go to omlet.us for information about the Wire Fox Terrier.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating







down page

  • The German Shepherds make great companions. Their reputations precede them as far a being intimidating to bad doers. Regular brushing and bathing to remove the shedding under coat is needed. Here is a good resource for information on German Shepherds, greatdogsite.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs in general. The majority seem to love to hold something in their mouths, probably due to their retrieving nature. They require regular brushing and bathing to remove the under coat. Also pay attention to their ears inside and out. This web magazine contains lots of information on them, grweekly.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Great Dane is a very large breed with a good personality. A very large tub for a bath and a soft brush to stimulate the coat is needed. viovet.co.uk is a good resource for information.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Great Pyrenees is an extra large breed that usually has a relaxed attitude. Brushing should start at an early age. Brushing and bathing to remove the shedding under coat is advised. A great resource for information can be found at greatpyrenees.com . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Greyhound is a sweet large breed of dog. They make wonderful family dogs and I highly recommend the adoption of retired racing dogs. Use a soft brush to stimulate the coat and give them a regular bath. Great information about them can be found at adopt-a-greyhound.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Irish Setter is another beautiful hunting dog. Regular brushing and bathing to remove shedding hair is needed. Great information about the breed can be found at irishsetter.org.uk .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Irish Wolfhound is very, very large dog. A large tub and a bath now and then is required. Here is a place for more information about them, irishwolfhounds.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Jack Russell Terrier is a energetic small breed. A soft brushing to stimulate the coat and regular baths are needed. To find out more about them go to terrier.com . 1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Keeshond is a fluffy, happy dog. Brushing should be taught at and early age and should be done regularly to remove the under coat and to keep their coats in good condition. Learn more at 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Kerry Blue Terrier is a large breed with a very distinguished look. They should be brushed regularly and groomed every 6-8 weeks, more often if necessary. Find out more about them at kerryblues.org . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Komondor is a very large dog with a corded coat. It's quite the job to groom a Komondor. Getting them used to being groomed at an early age is essential. More information about them can be found at komondor.co.uk . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Kuvasz is a very large breed dog. Regular brushing to remove the under coat and stimulate the oils in the skin should be started at an early age. More information about them can be found at petguide.com . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating







down page

  • The Labrador Retrievers are one of my favorite large breed dogs. In general they have gentle natures. They require brushing to stimulate the skin oils and regular baths. A good resource for information on them is at labradorretrieverguide.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Maltese is a small white dog. They are usually shy sweet dogs. They should be brushed regularly and groomed every 6-8 weeks, more often if necessary. Information about them can be found at malteseonly.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Mastiff is a very large muscular dog with a gentle nature. A good resource for information about the breed can be found at devinefarm.net .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Miniature Pinscher is a low maintenance small dog. Find out more about the breed at minpin.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Newfoundland is an extra large dog with a relaxed attitude. They should be taught at an early age to be brushed. Regular brushing is required to remove the shedding under coat and to keep the coat know free. Learn more about them at newfdogclub.org . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Norfolk Terrier is a small Terrier with lots of energy. They should be brushed regularly and groomed every 6-8 weeks, more often if needed. More about them at europuppy.com . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Norwegian Elkhound is a large breed of dog. Regular brushing is required to remove the shedding under coat. Information about them can be found at neaa.net . 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Old English Sheep Dog is a large dog with an all around good personality. Brushing should be done on a regular basis. A good resource for information on them is at dooziedog.com 1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Papillon is a fun small breed dog. With training and socializing they make good family dogs. They should be brushed regularly. Find out more about them at pixiedustpapillons.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Pekingese is a wonderful fun loving dog. They should be brushed on a regular basis. Go to canna-pet.com for more information on them.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Pit Bull Terrier is a great dog if trained and socialized properly. Go to pitbulllovers.com for more information on them.1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Pomeranians are a fluffy small dog that believes it is not small. They should learn about brushing at a young age and should be brushed regularly. Check out this web site at doggies.com for more information.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Poodles are a popular breed for dog lovers with allergies. They should be brushed on a regular basis and should be groomed every 4-8 weeks, depending on the haircut and condition of the coat. At dogscope.com you can find information about the breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating







down page

  • The Portuguese Water Dog is another interesting looking large breed. At Pwdca.org you can find information about this hunting breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Pugs are perpetual puppies and my favorite small breed dog. You can find good information on them at Petpremium.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great large breed. You can find information about them at Yourpurebredpuppy.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Rottweiler is a large breed that with training and socializing usually makes a good pet. Amrottclub.org is a place to go for more information.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Saint Bernard is an extra large dog that with proper breeding and training makes a great companion. They should be taught to be brushed at an early age. Brushing on a regular basis is needed to remove the under coat and prevent knotting. Find out more about them at Puppytoob.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Samoyed is a large dog that with training makes a good family pet. Teaching them to be brushed is important at an early age. Regular brushing to remove the under coat is necessary. Go to Denversamoyed.org for more information.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Schipperke is a small breed that with good training makes a great companion. Learn more at Schipperkeclub-usa.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Schnauzers make good watch dogs. With proper training and socializing they are great companions. Brushing often and grooming every 6-8 weeks in required, more often if needed. Here is a web site with further information, Wy-os.net .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Scottish Terrier (Scottie) is a small dog that may not get along with other dogs if not socialized. Like most Terriers they make good watch dogs. Start brushing them at an early age. Regular brushing and grooming every 6-8 weeks is necessary, more often if needed. Information about them is at Dogzone.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Shar-Pei is a medium size dog. Most have gentle natures but need socializing and training. Dogscope.com is a good place to go for more information.1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Shih-Tzu is a very popular small breed. Quality breeding results in a great pet. Regular brushing and grooming every 6-8 weeks is required, more often if needed. Information about the breed can be found at Shihzu.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating







  • The Siberian Husky is a beautiful large dog that loves to be vocal. Great if you live in the snowy mountains. Brushing to remove the shedding under coat is needed. A resource for information can be found at Vargecass.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Silky Terrier is a sweet small breed. Brushing and regular grooming is required. Learn more at Petsworld .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Skye Terrier is a medium size dog that with socializing and training makes a good companion. They should be brushed and groomed every 6-8 weeks, more often if needed. At Clubs.akc.org you can find out more.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Springer Spaniels usually make good bird dogs. They have a tendency to want to run the household so training is important. Keeping the long hair brushed to prevent knots is important. At Pawculture.com you can find more information on the breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Tibetan Terrier is a medium size dog. They require regular brushing and grooming every 6-8 weeks, more often as needed. Go to The-tta.org.uk for more information on the breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Vizsla is a low maintenance med-large dog with a happy personality and lots of energy. Find out more about them at Vizslaclub.com 1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Water Spaniel is another good hunting dog. Regular brushing on feathers and bathing is required. Find information at Petful.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Weimaraner is a low maintenance large dog. They usually have sweet dispositions. Learn more about them at Weimrescuetexas.org .1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The West Highland Terrier is a small breed that with socializing and training makes a good all around dog. Start brushing at an early age. They need brushing often and grooming every 6-8 weeks, more often if needed. You can learn more about them at Sfbaywestieclub.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Wheaten Terrier is a nice medium size dog. Regular brushing and grooming every 6-8 weeks is needed, more often if necessary. Go to K9 Research Lab for more information on the breed.1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Whippet is a low maintenance dog with a nice personality. A good resource for them is at Canna-pet.com 1-5 star dog grooming rating
  • The Yorkshire Terriers are a fun breed of dog. Start brushing at an early age. They should be groomed on a regular basis and brushed often. A good source of information about them is at Justdogbreeds.com .1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating1-5 star dog grooming rating
top of page