Picking the Perfect Dog

Most dogs were originally bred to perform specific tasks for their owners. There are still many dogs that perform these tasks every day. From herding sheep to pulling sleds and flushing game, dogs are upholding their breeding all over the world.

Hunting dogs are bred to help the human master bring home dinner. Spaniels such as the Clumber and Welsh Springer Spaniel, are used to flush game birds from the underbrush, and retrieve the downed birds from wherever they have fallen, even in water. Retrievers were also bred to retrieve game from any setting. Pointers and setters, like the Gordon Setter, Brittany, Weimaraner, and German Shorthair were bred to point out game before flushing it out into open. Did you know that the Standard Poodle is still a very popular gundog? Basset Hounds, Bluetick Coonhounds, and Beagles are just a few of the scenthounds that are bred to track big game over long distances.

There are many types of herding breeds. Large, powerful breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd and Bergamasco are often referred to as livestock or flock guardians. Smaller herding breeds like Border Collies, Corgis, and Shetland Sheepdogs may not look like they could control an entire flock of sheep or herd of cattle but these dogs are a farmer’s right hand. Herding dogs live for the job, and without sufficient stimulation, they can become bored easily and boredom usually brings on destruction.