Puppies of all breeds are cute and hard to resist but remember they may grow into something that is not right for you, therefore it is imperative that you do detailed research on the breeds that interest you. Not only should you read everything pertaining to the breed it is also highly recomended that you speak with quality breeders who have lived with the breed for years. Another excellent option is to attend any dog shows in your area and interact with the breed in person while speaking with breeders/owners that are present. Remember there is a breed for everyone and a dog is for life so make sure you find your perfect four legged family member the first time.
Below you will find excerpts from various sites like AKC, GSCA, PHCA, and the NCA all great sources to consult when choosing a breed for you. Below and to the right you will find various other links to assist you in your homework.
The German Shepherd: An Intro (From AKC.org)
Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, and associated for centuries with man as servant and companion, the German Shepherd Dog has been subject to intensive development. Sponsored by the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde , the parent club of the breed founded in 1899 in Germany, the cult of the Shepherd spread rapidly from about 1914 onward in many parts of the world. Interest in the breed has been fostered by specialty clubs in many lands as it has been in the United States by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.
Considering first the more important side of the dog, its character, the Shepherd is distinguished for loyalty, courage, and the ability to assimilate and retain training for a number of special services. He should be of equable disposition, poised, unexcitable, and with well-controlled nerves. For his typical work as a herding sheepdog, he must not be gun-shy and must have courage to protect his flock from attacks, either animal or human. For his work as a police dog, a development which followed upon his natural aptitude for training, he must have this courage and in addition must be able to make use of the excellent nose which he usually possesses. In his work as a leader of the blind, the Shepherd must and does exhibit a high order of intelligence and discrimination involving the qualities of observation, patience, faithful watchfulness, and even, to a certain degree, the exercise of judgment.
These qualities, which have endeared the German Shepherd Dog to a wide public in practically every country of the globe, are those of the companion, protector, and friend. The German Shepherd is not a pugnacious brawler, but a bold and punishing fighter if need be. In his relation to man he does not give affection lightly; he has plenty of dignity and some suspicion of strangers, but his friendship, once given, is given for life.
On the physical side, the German Shepherd Dog has been developed to a point of almost ideal fitness for the work he is called upon to do. He is a dog of middle size with enough weight to be effective as herder or patrolman, but not enough to be cumbersome or unwieldy.
The impression of the dog as a whole is one of ruggedness combined with nobility, of power combined with agility. There should be a sense of balance, forequarters and hindquarters compensating each other in their development. The outline should be smooth and flowing, and the topline of the dog, from the ear to the tip of the full tail, a single sweeping succession of unbroken curves. The German Shepherd Dog is a natural dog, unchanged for any whim of the show ring.
Other useful resources:
- AKC
- Newfoundland Club of America
- Pharaoh Hound Club of America
- German Shepherd Club of America
- Greater Miami Dog Club
Also please feel free to email us with any questions you may have about the breeds.
The Newfoundland: An Brief Intro (AKC.org)
He was a large dog, with size and strength to perform the tasks required of him. He had a heavy coat to protect him from the long winters and the icy waters surrounding his native island. His feet were large, strong, and webbed so that he might travel easily over marshes and shores. Admired for his physical powers and attractive disposition, he was taken to England where he was extensively bred. Today, most Newfoundlands of pedigree, even in Newfoundland, are descended from forebears born in England.
At the present time, the Newfoundland is admired and bred in many different countries besides his native land, including, England, France, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and the United States.
The breed standard was written for a working dog, essentially a dog as much at home in the water as on dry land. Canine literature gives us stories of brave Newfoundlands which have rescued men and women from watery graves; stories of shipwrecks made less terrible by dogs which carried life lines to stricken vessels; of children who have fallen into deep water and have been brought safely ashore by Newfoundlands; and of dogs whose work was less spectacular but equally valuable as they helped their fishermen owners with their heavy nets and performed other tasks necessary to their occupations. Although he is a superior water dog, the Newfoundland has been used and is still used in Newfoundland and Labrador as a true working dog, dragging carts, or more often carrying burdens as a pack horse.
In order to perform these duties the Newfoundland must be a large dog - large enough to bring ashore a drowning man. He must have powerful hindquarters and a lung capacity which enables him to swim for great distances. He must have the heavy coat which protects him from the icy waters. In short, he must be strong, muscular, and sound so that he may do the work for which he has become justly famous. Above all things, the Newfoundland must have the intelligence, the loyalty, and the sweetness which are his best-known traits. He must be able and willing to help his master perform his necessary tasks at command, and also have the intelligence to act on his own responsibility when rescue work demands it.
The Pharoah Hound: A Brief Intro (AKC.org)
The Pharaoh Hound, one of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history, traces his lineage to roughly 3000 B. C. Fortunately, the history of Egyptian civilization was well documented and preserved through paintings and hieroglyphics. From these we learn that this unique dog was treasured for his great hunting ability and his affinity for close family relationships.
It seems reasonably certain that the origins of this dog lie in Egypt and they were carried by Phoenician traders to the island of Malta well before the birth of Christ. The breeders of Malta maintained a purity of breed type over a period of 2,000 years, for the dog today still closely resembles his Egyptian forebears.
The American Kennel Club admitted the Pharaoh Hound into the Miscellaneous Class in January 1979. Then, effective August 1, 1983, the breed was recognized for registration and became eligible to compete in the Hound Group effective January 1, 1984.
The Pharaoh Hound gives a striking impression of elegance, power and grace. He is intelligent, friendly and affectionate. His high speed combined with his alertness and agility give him a marked keenness for hunting both by sight and by scent. Their willingness to please allows them to be trained swiftly which makes them excellent candidates for hunting, obedience and coursing.