German Shepherd
As the representative breed of the K-9 police patrol, German Shepherds are known to be smart and dutiful dogs. However, over at VetStreet, they have some advice. “There’s little he can’t do with the right training, but that’s exactly why he’s not ideal for newbies—it takes quite a bit of training, exercise and dedication to stay ‘smarter’ than he is.” This dog is not recommended for first-time owners, and obedience training should start at an early age.
The breed was developed in Germany in 1899 for herding livestock – mostly sheep. Soldiers returning from WWII brought German Shepherds home while the beloved Rin Tin Tin became the first movie star dog. Though it was trained as a herding dog, it was also trained for its versatility. It’s a working dog that likes to have a job to do. It is excellent as a rescue dog, guide dog, and police dog and has excelled at canine sports. And don’t forget, German Shepherds need a lot of exercise!
Pit Bull
The Pit Bull is not a breed meant for everybody. They are strong dogs with extremely powerful jaws. If they are socialized and trained properly, these dogs make ideal watchdogs and exceptional family pets. They can be very loving and gentle. Yet, Pit Bulls were bred in 1800s England for the spectator sport of baiting bulls and bears. The blood sport was ruled illegal in 1935, but the equally aggressive blood sport of dogfighting took its place.
Due to breeding, Pit Bulls are aggressive. As one of the most aggressive dog breeds, it will never back down from a fight with another dog. It’s a fight to the death that Pit Bulls rarely lose. A leash is indispensable for Pit Bulls; this powerful canine should be leashed at all times. In dog attacks on humans resulting in severe injuries or death, Pit Bulls are the most frequently cited breed. Another thing to consider is dog owners are legally liable for injuries instigated by their pets.
Wolfdog
Wolfdogs are less understood than older, traditional breeds. A Wolfdog is a cross between a domestic dog and a wild wolf, but the content is uncertain. There is still no consistency of behavior in dogs of this name. In fact, there is more variation in Wolfdogs than in any other dog. What is certain is that this type of dog is legal in fewer than 10 states. In New York, you need to get a “dangerous animal” permit, the same permit needed to keep a lion. Even so, Wolfdogs are sold by breeders for $2,500, despite the fact most pups have no wolf content.
If you get a puppy who has clawed an escape route through the drywall in your house by six months of age, you probably have a true Wolfdog on your hands. A high-content Wolfdog does not make a good guard dog, preferring to hide from strangers. They do not like to be held indoors, they are not interested in pleasing you, and they should never be left alone with small pets and children due to an innate prey instinct. All high-content Wolfdogs need handling as early as 10 days old, as well as consistent socialization.
Greyhound
The noble Greyhound is an ancient breed from Egypt or Greece. With long legs, an arched back, and a lean, aerodynamic physique, this dog was built for speed. Greyhounds are racing dogs, but originally, they were bred by British nobility for hunting foxes, deer, and hare. It has a strong prey instinct and is often muzzled—for good reason. Children and small animals may seem like prey to a Greyhound. If you are out on a walk, hang on to the leash! They are extremely fast, the fastest of all dog breeds, and will dart after anything that might be prey.
On the other hand, Greyhounds have a sweet and mild temperament and do not need much exercise. One short walk a day is sufficient, making apartment living surprisingly suitable for this lanky dog. It’s a low-energy breed, a sprinter not an endurance runner, with the nickname “40-mph couch potato.” Cold weather is not the best fit. As a shorthair breed, it is easy to maintain, but a doggy sweater will be necessary for cold days. Also, a high back fence is a must. Six feet high is recommended.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a breed from 1860s England that was used to protect the livestock on large estates from murderous poachers. It’s a brave and powerful dog that weighs up to 130 pounds. This breed is good with children but terrible with other dogs. These dogs will drool, slobber, and snore.
Bullmastiffs are stubborn and require consistent training. On the other hand, the Bullmastiff is a dedicated guard dog with a mild temperament. They are calm and loving. Once this dog is provoked, it is ferocious, true to its breeding. They require full obedience training and to always be leashed. While the Mastiff is a dominant breed, a Bullmastiff is even more so.