You can not select the perfect dog for you, by looking at pictures. All dogs look cute in photos. You need to read, study and think about what you want & what dog will be best for your family.

Mixed breed are great pets that you may not know "who is in the pedigree." You will learn to recognize the different the breed types just by looking.

Working with a rescue groups or the animal control workers you can learn about the personality. They can also help you in selecting, the best dog for your family.

First, decide what you want the dog to do for you. Do you want the dog to be a lap dog?

Do you want a house dog & hunting companion all in one dog?

Dogs were breed to do different things. Learn by reading.

If a dog was breed to hunt. Hunting is in his genes. You will still need to work with the pup to teach him to project his style & skills.

This may be a good for your family. Some hunting dogs can make great house pets, but not for an apartment. You will need a house with a fenced yard for daily exercise. After being in the house, while you are at work, your dogs needs to run and play. This would be a great time to play ball or work on agility games.

I had three German Shorthaired Pointers in my home with my two sons. I was very happy with our house dogs. We went to field trials, and dogs shows almost every weekend. The Boys were good handlers and the dogs were great showmen.

Even dogs in the same breed may have different personalities. First select a breed type and read about them.

Not all small dogs make good lap dogs. Some are hyper-active types do to their genes and years of breeding active dogs.

I rescue dogs. Many are pure bred Poodles, Bichon Frise and Maltese. Plus many mixed breeds that are non shedding lap dogs. We often have Shih Tzu, Yorkies, and Schnauzers.

The Bichon Frise is known as a clown. The larger Bichons can be a good dog for a family with school age children. Any dog under 12 pounds is to small for children under the age of 12.

The Maltese is known as a lap dog. They are to small, and can be injured by small children. They often do not like children because they have been injured before.

The Poodles are in different sizes. The larger Standard Poodle are wonderful companions, and house pet. They can be great retrievers or agility dogs. They can be great family pets.

The Miniature Poodle is a also just as wonderful. They are the medium size dogs. They are about 14-16 inches at the shoulder. This is a good size dog for a family. They are so smart.

Toys & Tea cup size Poodles are great lap dogs for the retired companion. Great for the empty nester. Apartment life or any castle you call home. Younger Grandchildren should be watched so they do not injured the tiny Tea cup.

Most Poodles of all sizes love kids. It is only after a dog is injured that problems begin.

I suggest that for a family with small children most dogs over 15 pounds would be a great choice.

I have just touch on two different types of dogs.  There are many different types. Once you learn what type you are looking for, contact a rescue group and start looking for your next family member.

There are many pure breed rescue groups and many all breed groups. Petfinder.org is a good place to start looking. Use your browser to find Petfinder.org and the AKC rescue groups. I list our Fuzzy Face Pet Rescue dogs on Petfinder.

Help to support our dog rescue efforts, by shopping at RescueResale 4 FuzzyFacePets .

BillieAnn Brady, Fuzzy Face Pet Rescue, Post Office Box 8799, Fort Worth, TX 76124-0799

Remember, always spay & neuter your pets.