Popular Dog Breeds That You May Want to Adopt

Summary:

"People just cannot live without dogs. Some consider their furry friend not only as a pet but as a loyal companion. Others need dogs to help them get through their day-to-day activities as service dogs, particularly those who are differently-abled. In case you are thinking of adopting a dog, choosing a popular breed below will surely pique your interest.

Adopting a dog ensures that you are assisting a dog in need. Adoption fees are frequently lower than the cost of a puppy from a breeder. Many dogs have already been spayed or neutered, or the shelter may have a discount arrangement with a local veterinarian for these procedures. Depending on the dog's history, she may be house-trained and know basic life skills such as how to walk on a leash or sit on command. Working on behavioral issues and retraining bad habits can be rewarding if you have the time and skills to do so. You can also judge the temperament and personality of the dog. There are also considerations such as if you are a first-time dog parent or are having trouble picking a particular breed.

One you select a new dog, here's some tips on how to prepare for your dog's arrival."

pug puppyPug Puppy
Image Source: Pixabay

Golden Retrievers

One of the most popular and adopted dog breeds in the world is the golden retriever. They are considered to be highly social dogs that tend to get along quite well even with kids of all ages. They can also adapt to indoor or outdoor living, depending on the lifestyle of their adoptive family. In this case, you may even consider getting Goldendoodles which are mixed breeds between a golden retriever and a poodle. This way, you will enjoy the great traits of golden retrievers along with that of a poodle, which is another popular dog breed that you can consider adopting.

German Shepherd

Another popular dog breed that you can consider adopting is the German shepherd. They are quite big and muscular but they are highly sociable too. You will most likely find them as police dogs because they are easy to train. This can be attributed to the fact that they are highly intelligent and loyal too. More often than not, they exert the effort to please their owners, making them devoted companions. Just bear in mind that since they are generally working dogs, they need to have lots of exercises.

Pit Bull

Pit bulls are also known as Staffordshire terriers. Even if most people have the impression that they are mean and aggressive, the majority of the dogs under this breed are quite obedient and gentle. Perhaps the misconception lies in the fact that pit bulls are very protective of their masters or owners. Nevertheless, when you are going to adopt a pit bull from a shelter, and you already have a family dog, the pit bull will most likely undergo a behavior and medical assessment to evaluate how he will interact with other dogs in your household. Learn more about caring for this and other breeds.

Dachshund

You are most likely to find a dachshund in a shelter and immediately, you may be drawn towards adopting them. The reason behind this is that they are irresistibly cute with a gentle temperament, however, you may be surprised that they are prone to bite often. With proper training though, you will be able to address this problem. The good news is that they have an impressive level of intelligence, making training quite easy. They can also be prone to back injuries because of their long spine, which is why you need to ensure that they get a regular visit to the vet.

Beagle

Beagles have a certain sweet demeanor that makes them ultimately attractive to potential dog owners. They also tend to get along quite well with cats, which is perfect if you already have one in your household. The great part is that they are also gentle with kids but they tend to be a bit grumpier as they grow old. Nonetheless, with their funny nature, they are popular among families. Just remember that they tend to be active dogs that need plenty of exercise. Learn more about beagle care.

Maltese

Maltese tend to be an expensive dog breed which is why when people see them at a shelter, they get to be adopted easily. Because of their small size, they can move quickly and they don’t also need as much outdoor exercise as large dogs do because they can move freely around the house. You may be surprised though that they can be exceedingly playful. You need to properly house train them though but as soon as you do, they can become very polite and obedient.

Pugs

Many people who want to adopt dogs look for pugs that are very smart and playful. However, at times, they can be quite lazy too so you need to encourage them to take part in your activities. They are very highly sociable and they love to show off their tricks, which makes them great around kids as well.

Bulldog Puppy
Image by Alexandr Ivanov

Cockapoos

The Cockapoo is a cross between a Poodle and either an English or American Cocker Spaniel (also called Cockerpoo or Spoodle.) The breed is generally healthy with minimal genetic concerns. These dogs are intelligent, are energetic, have large variation in color (black, tan, red, sable, white, silver, brindle, merle, roan), and are fun-loving. Since they are smart training can be highly effective and they are very child friendly. The breed has a life expectancy between 12 to 15 years. Health concerns are related to the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel lineage, which includes heart disease, allergies, eye and ear problems. Some breeders offer F1 or first generation dogs that are bred directly from a Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. 

Conclusion

The amazing dog breeds listed above are only some of the most popular ones that you can consider adopting. Various other dog breeds may tickle your fancy including those breeds that are hypoallergenic or breeds for people with an active lifestyle or even a Yorkie. There are even dog breeds that are better with seniors. Just keep in mind that the key is in getting to know the furry friend you have adopted by spending quality time with them because regardless of the dog breed, you will surely find a loyal companion in a dog. If you choose to use a breeder, be sure to review this tips and things to consider to ensure you adopt a healthy pup from a reputable source.  Also understand what to look for when picking a puppy out of a litter.

If you adopt a pure breed dog here is how to register your dog with the AKC (American Kennel Club).