Dog Breed Comparison – What to Look for when Choosing a Family Pet

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With so many different dog breeds available, how can you know which dog is right the right pet for you and your family? There are so many things to take into consideration when selecting a puppy including size, behavior, health concerns, compatibility with other pets and children, temperament and grooming requirements. Here we have outlined a few common dog breeds to help you find the dog that is best for you and your family’s specific needs and lifestyle.

German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer is known by a lot of different names including Deutscher Drahthaariger, Vorstehund, German Pointer, and Drahthaar. This German breed was first developed at the end of the 19th century as a hunting dog. This breed was created by crossing several dog breeds including Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Foxhounds and Poodles. Today this breed is used as both a sporting dog and as a family dog.

Pekingese

The Pekingese, also called the Lion Dog and the Peking Palasthund, is a Chinese toy breed. Their ancestry can be traced back 1500 years. They were originally developed as a palace dog. Today this breed is very popular as a show dog, as a companion dog, and as a family dog.

The Pekingese is a tiny little dog that stands between 6 and 9 inches tall and weighs between 7 and 12 pounds. They have a long double coat that comes in a variety of colors and patters. They are a great companion dog, however, they don’t get along well with little children. They can be a bit grouchy if you try to wake them up when they are sleeping so they are best suited for quieter homes.

The German Wire Haired Pointer stands between 22 and 26 inches tall and usually weighs between 45 and 75 pounds. Their coat is short, thick, and harsh. It comes in solid colors as well as multi-colors. The most common coat colors associated with this breed include liver, black, and white.

Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer, also called the Mittelschnauzer, is a German non-sporting breed. They stand between 17.5 and 19.5 inches tall and they weigh between 26 and 40 pounds. They have the typical Schnauzer coat that is short, harsh, and wiry. They come in salt and pepper, solid black, and black and silver color variations. This is a very affectionate and tolerant dog that makes a great companion for kids and adults.

Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound, also referred to as the Podenco Ibicenco, the Ca Eibisenc, and the Balaeric Dog, is a Spanish breed. Its origins can be traced back to Egypt around 3400 B.C. when this dog’s ancestors were used as hunting dogs. Today they are used for both hunting and companionship.

The Ibizan Hound is a tall slender dog that stands between 22.5 and 27.5 inches tall and weighs between 42 and 55 pounds. They have a short, smooth or rough, dense coat that comes in white, lion, chestnut brown, or multi-color. This dog has a great temperament for family life, and they can be trained to get along with small pets. Some of the health issues that plague this breed include pesticide sensitivities and reproductive issues.

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, also called a Scotty Dog or an Aberdeen Terrier, is a terrier that originated in Scotland. They were originally bred as vermin hunters. They are a short stature dog that only stands between 10 and 11 inches tall and weighs between 19 and 23 pounds. They have a medium length wiry coat that comes in black, brindle, and wheaten.