Dog Breed Characteristics – Medium-Sized Dogs

Article by George Yeo

Not too sure which type of dog to buy? This is part 2 of 3 articles that addresses the different needs and characteristics of some of the popular dogs. Look out for my other 2 articles 'Dog Breed Characteristics - small dogs' and 'Dog Breed Characteristics - large dogs'.

Bulldog

This is a commonly misunderstood dog. Although its name and appearance (and those cartoons that depict fierce bulldogs) suggest that it is not-so-friendly, it is generally friendly and docile. Due to this nature, they get along well with children and other dogs.They love attention and are really loyal creatures. They can also be easily trained. They need daily exericse and overweight bulldogs can lead to health problems related to the heart and lungs. Interestingly, it was used in the 1600s for bullbaiting, buthas since lost its aggressiveness after the sport was outlawed.

Dalmatian

This is probably one of the most filmed breed (think 101 and you get what I mean) and you cannot miss it with its trademark white coat with black spots. It is believed to be one of the oldest breed around and they are generally free from illness. They usually get sick with old age. Note that Dalmatians are dogs with lots of energy and they require frequent exercise. You should not buy a Dalmatian if you do not have the time to take care of it.

Siberian Husky

Originated from Siberia, it has a thick-furry coat and tail. It looks very much like its ancestor, the wolf. They are known to howl rather than bark. Because of their intuitive hunting nature, they make good hunting dogs. They are also stubborn creatures and proper obedience training is needed. Siberian Huskies are very intelligent and are therefore popular with dog shows. They are also used in sled dog racing because of their high level of fitness.

Australian Shepherd

It was not originated from Australia as its name suggests, but was brought up on ranches in the United States. It is a popular herdingdog, but has slowly made its way into homes due to its obedience and eagerness to please its owners. It is usually a sweet and affectionate dog which is faithful to its owners and is great with children. There are, noticeably, two distinct types of personalities. One is an energetic dog that requires frequent exercise and enjoys doing tricks, while the other enjoys being a couch potato. Due to their herding nature, they bark warnings when they notice anything unusual. Intelligent and good with tricks, they make good pets.

Poodle

They are considered one of the most intelligent breeds of dog. They can be easily recognised with very short hair around the body, except for the head, legs and tail (google for the pictures). Owners can choose to groom their own poodles in any way they like, but I think they look funny though. Poodles are known to be active. They can get bored easily and have been known to create bad mischief. In general, they are eager to please and are easy to train. They make good pets for those families with children.

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About the Author

George is the owner of AskGeorgeYeo.com, a Q-&-A-based information portal. You can find more information on training a dog. Feel free to drop by and post questions or add a link back to your own site.

When selecting a standard poodle, consider the high-maintenance grooming requirements of the breed, their goofy and playful nature and their non-shedding fur. Provide the mental and physical stimulation required for a standard poodle with helpful information from an experienced dog trainer in this free video on dog breeds. Expert: Heidi Dixner Contact: www.redrovercomeover.com Bio: Heidi Dixner has been training dogs professionally since 2001 and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers since 2003. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge
Video Rating: 4 / 5