Dogs have been called man's best friend. From licking your face when you wake up to sitting on your feet when your toes are cold, dogs serve as a gentle alarm clock and the best slippers you'll ever have. Own one NOW!
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What is a DOG?
Dogs are the eyes and ears for the blind and deaf. They are therapy for the shut-ins and disabled and can be a best buddy for a ten year old. Dogs will comfort and soothe an elderly widow or pull sleds loaded with medicine through snow and ice. They perform search and rescue when avalanches bury people and towns and can hunt and track lost hikers, locate missing bodies and find babies buried in the rubble of fallen buildings. Dogs can sniff out illegal drugs and bombs buried in hiding places. They track the worst of criminals and help fight wars as well as guarding you, your kids and your property to the death.
Dogs will bring joy and companionship to a family, even when the family consists of only one lonely person. They are a status symbol to royalty or they can make you smile when you’re totally down and out. They don’t care what color your skin is or what language you speak or what country you live in. Dogs don’t even care if you/re flat broke or have a trillion dollars. They don’t care if your name is Bill Gates or Earl the “homeless guy in the alley behind the bar.” They will stand by them all to the end. Long live man's best friend! That's what a dog is.
TOP 10 DOG BREEDS
1. Labrador Retriever
For the 25th consecutive year, this lovable breed continues to be the most popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC registration statistics. The family-friendly Labrador retriever has won over the hearts of families across the country—millions of households count a Lab among their family members, and it’s easy to see why. Labs display a well-mannered temperament and are eager to please their owners.
The Labrador retriever originated in Newfoundland, where it aided fisherman with their catch. After being crossed with setters, spaniels and other retrievers, the Lab sharpened its skills as a true retriever. But what makes Labs even more popular is their kind, outgoing nature.
This people-friendly quality also makes Labs great dogs for children. The Lab thrives in an active household, where he can have lots of interaction. Kids will also love the Lab’s easy nature and trainability . In turn, Labrador retrievers tend to be very patient with kids. Be prepared to harness that energy: plenty of exercise and fetching games will keep your Lab happy and healthy.
2. German Shepherd Dogs
Often used as working dogs, German shepherds are highly intelligent and courageous. Known for their tremendous loyalty, these dogs are typically cheerful, obedient and eager to learn.
German shepherds prefer to be close to their families and therefore have a very strong protective instinct. Generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family, it is recommended to train and socialize German shepherds from an early age with a firm and loving hand.
The breed's ability to rapidly learn has contributed to its wide use as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including agility, flyball, and ring sport. But most of all, the German shepherd is favored as a loving family companion.
3. Golden Retriever
With their ever-present smiles, wavy blonde fur, and joyful prance, the golden retriever has long been one of America’s favorite dogs. Perhaps it’s their family-friendly demeanor and golden looks that helps keep this breed in the Top 5 of all registered dogs in the U.S.
The golden retriever is classified by the American Kennel Club as a sporting dog, popular with hunters for its soft mouth and eagerness to retrieve in water.
True to its name the golden retriever loves to fetch. It’s not uncommon to be greeted by a golden with a favorite toy stuffed in its mouth. Known for its intelligent mind, the breed can learn more than 200 commands with training and encouragement.
4. Bulldog
While the bulldog’s appearance can be intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Small and stocky in stature with a wide, massive head, a bulldog’s coat may be white, black, red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow or a combination of colors.
Considered to be very affectionate and dependable dogs, bulldogs are gentle with children and known for their courage and their excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent and dominating. Strong leadership and attention are recommended.
One other thing for which bulldogs are well known? Loud snoring and a tendency to drool and slobber. What’s not to love?
5. Beagle
The beagle moves up this year from last year's No. 5 spot. Well before designer dogs like the puggle (half beagle, half pug) struck dog lovers as the hottest breed to bring home, there was just the good old beagle. In its pure bred form, this hound continues to hold on to its status as one of man’s best friends.
These droopy eared hounds are spunky, loyal and make great friendly pets for families with children. Beagles also tend to have lots of energy to burn. They can be mischievous and are often lead to trouble (garbage cans, shoes, dirty laundry) by their extraordinary hunting noses. Their natural curiosity often means they are a little tricky to train and require owners who are willing to be firm yet patient. Beaglesare also known for their tremendous whining, sharp bark and thoroughly loud from-the-belly howls.
6. French Bulldog
According to the American Kennel Club, the breed is ranked the 9th most popular dog in 2014; however, the most interesting morsel of data is how diverse the demand is for this breed coast to coast. Major U.S. cities in different regions consider the French bulldog their top choice, including: NYC (the No.1 most popular dog); Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami (No. 2); Chicago (No. 3); Atlanta and Washington DC (No. 4); and Boston, Denver, Seattle and West Palm Beach (No. 5).
Would it surprise you to learn that "Frenchies" are actually not from France? This charming breed can trace its roots back to ancient Greece, specifically to a dog belonging to the Molossian tribe, which was then bred into what is now known as the mastiff.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
Energetic, loyal and clever, the Yorkshire terrier seems oblivious of its small size. Always ready for an adventure, "Yorkies" are easy to train and are considered excellent watchdogs.
Known for their ultra long, fine, silky coat that parts along the spine and falls straight down on either side, Yorkies are colored a combination of steal blue and tan. As you might expect, regular grooming is needed and Yorkie owners commonly pull back their dogs' hair on their head in a topknot. Depite the long hair, however, Yorkies shed very little.
8. Poodle
Poodles are the runway models of the popular breeds, highly intelligent and graceful. Considered one of the most trainable breeds, the standard poodle are typically pleasant, happy and sensitive but can become high strung if not given the proper amount of exercise.
Poodles — who are born with one of a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray – require extensive grooming. Their fur is also hypoallergenic, which may reduce allergic reactions and be helpful to pet owners who suffer from allergies.
9. Rottweiler
For the first year ever, the Rottweiler lands on the AKC's list of top dogs. The large, sometimes formidable-looking dog has become a family favorite due to its loving and affectionate personality. One of the oldest-known herding dogs dating back to the Roman Empire, this German breed was originally bred to be a hunting companion. Today, with their sharp skills, Rottweilers are frequently used in search and rescue, as guide dogs for the blind, and as guard or police dogs. .
According to the American Kennel Club, the Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness, responding quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in its environment. It has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog with a strong willingness to work, making them especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.
10. Boxer
The boxer dog, a muscular, short-coated breed with a distinctive square head has had a place in the hearts of owners for decades. The boxer’s strong body and gentle, playful spirit are a great combination.
And what about his name? It is said that his moniker is a testament to his playful and curious side. You’ll notice that your boxer dog uses his front paws for just about everything. He’s likely to paw at his toys and food in a cat-like way. He also likes to jump up and motion with his front paws, making him look like he’s actually boxing, and hence the name.
A few simple reasons why puppies are the world's best friends
Puppies are just about the friendliest creatures on earth; they protect you, love you, and want to be your best friend. And straight up, who wouldn’t want that? Here are just a few reasons why we’re obsessed with these fuzzy cuties.
The Puppies to Babies Ratio
At least number-wise. There are 6.2 million puppies born every year in comparison to 4 million human babies. So essentially, every baby in the world could be given at least one puppy. We support that motion.
Puppies lead the perfect life.
When a puppy is born, 90% of the time they are sleeping and other 10% they are eating. Nothing is better than a napping puppy. Nothing.
They are very talented.
Puppies are very good sniffers. The percentage in their brain devoted to smelling is 40% larger than humans. They can smell things 1,000 times better than we can.
Puppies get lonely when you’re not around.
Since puppies are born with a litter, they are natural social butterflies. Most puppies are extremely social and love being around people.
