subject: These Are A Few Of My Favorite Breeds [print this page] I have been around dogs and helping raise them since long before I can remember. We adopted our four-legged friends from a variety of places--breeders, the pound, "free puppy" stands at local grocery stores--and as a result, we had our fair share of both mutts and purebreds.
Over time, my family found itself gravitating toward certain breeds because of their loyalty, their looks, and their love. If you are thinking about bringing a dog into your family or want to know more about the one you already have, listen up.
One: Welsh corgis, of the Pembroke variety. Of the many pups I have owned and tended over the years, these are by far my favorite. They are big dogs in small packages, ranging from about 25 to 35 pounds. They are characterized as bold, loyal, and fun-loving.
Corgis adapt well to apartment living but they are, especially in their early years, extremely energetic and require plenty of exercise to avoid putting on unnecessary weight that can damage their joints and cause other health problems.
It should be noted that corgis are prone to bark and chew extensively, but they are smart and easy to train, so with adequate chew toys and patience, your corgi will be fine.
They have been bred to withstand the cold from damp, chilly Wales, so they have two coats. For the most part, the excess can be taken care of with a little daily brushing, but during the spring, they shed a large winter coat, in which case a trip to a professional groomer is advisable.
Two: German shepherd dogs. These shepherds are on the larger end of the spectrum, as far as dogs go, weighing in somewhere between 50 and 90 pounds. These dogs are extremely bright and were specifically bred for their above-average intelligence.
They bond closely with their families, which makes the breed fantastic as both watchdog and guard dog. However, their loyalty and their aggression, which has been heightened since they started being used as police dogs several decades ago, means they can mistake an attack where there isn't one. Careful monitoring and training is advisable.
German shepherd dogs are strong, agile, and energetic. They love to play, but as they age, watch out for problems in the hips and other joints. If you mean to adopt a German shepherd from a professional breeder, make sure that all due health clearances are met.
They fir tends to be course, but an occasional visit for some dog grooming in Los Angeles, especially during hot summer months is a good idea.
Three: Great Danes. These critters are well over 100 pounds at a minimum, with many males exceeding 120 or 130. My family fondly nicknamed our last Dane our little horse because she was so large. Fun-loving and stupid (yes, I said stupid), these dogs like nothing better than pleasing their families.
Danes have small, needle-like hairs that tend to get stuck in fabric easily, and they shed continuously throughout the year but not necessarily very much at a time. They grow up to be beautiful dogs with seemingly endless amounts of energy, which is perfect for an active family.
