1. Mixed Breeds
No matter what mix of breeds, mutts
are awesome. Mixed-breeds are believed to have less genetically inherited
health problems than purebreds, according to veterinarian Dr. Sarah Ward
Fatula.
Plus, if you adopt your mixed-breed
from the shelter, not only will they already be spayed/neutered, microchipped,
and up to date with vaccines, but you’ll also be helping with the pet
overpopulation problem.
2. Labrador Retrievers
There’s a reason why Labs are the
most popular breed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, as
well as here in the U.S. They are devoted and obedient and have even
temperaments that make them good with both children and other animals.
Bred to be eager to please and
playful companions, Labs are smart and commonly chosen as guide dogs and
service dogs for blind or autistic individuals.
They also make understanding therapy
dogs, and can be trained to aid law enforcement and other official agencies by
screening and detection work.
3. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Corgis have a cult-like following mainly
due to their playful and sweet personalities. According to Welsh mythology, the
Pembroke Welsh Corgi was even the transportation mode of choice for fairies.
Though they can be shy with
strangers, Corgis are good with children and have a strong desire to please
their owners.
They’re also one of the
silliest-looking dogs, with huge ears, a long torso, and a big butt. Just
monitor their food intake closely since this breed is prone to overeating.
4. German Shepherds
A relatively new breed (they date
back to 1899), German Shepherds are exceptional animals: Courageous, obedient,
incredibly loyal, and eager to learn.
German Shepherds are very
intelligent too, and excel at most anything they’re trained to do. They’re
usually used as service dogs and police dogs to protect officers and locate
drugs or human remains.
German Shepherds love their humans
so much that they will suffer from separation anxiety, and can become
destructive when bored alone at home.
