Since the first man started to arrange dog breeding, humans have been gradually creating the most diverse species in the world: Canis familiaris, the domestic dog.

Not long after that the idea of a dog breed must have arisen.

A dog breed is a group of dogs that have very similar or nearly identical characteristics of appearance or behavior or, usually, both, primarily because they come from a select set of ancestors who had the same characteristics.

Before you start learning about the personalities and traits of the many dog breeds in the many available web sites which provide dog breed profiles, here are some points you should consider when deciding which dog will be perfect for you:

1. How much exercise will you be able to give your dog?
2. How playful and demanding do you want your dog to be?
3. Do you want a dog which is his own master or a more submissive dog?
4. Is it important that your dog is a good watchdog?
5. Do you want a dog which is easy to train?
6. Is it important that your dog is friendly toward other pets?
7. Will you be willing to spend time each day on grooming or not?
8. Is it important that your dog is friendly toward other dogs?
9. How capable should your dog be of protection?
10. Will you expect your dog to remain active in hot weather?
11. How friendly should your dog be toward strangers?
12. Is it important that you dog can be kept in unheated conditions?
13. How much time will you able to devote to your dog?

Detailed information on every dog breed helps you choose the right breed for your lifestyle.

A web site with a good list of dog breeds, with one of the largest breed descriptions and photos is http://puppydogweb.com/profiles.htm . Another is "Dogbreed Advice.Com", and yet another is at http://www.canismajor.com/dog/chbreed.html .

http://www.breederretriever.com/breedselector.php runs a novel dog selector system, which is well worth a visit.

For the investigation of the traits of different breeds, other good sources of breed information are the web sites of the national dog clubs. The best known of these is the American Kennel Club (AKC). Another well known club is the Kennel Club of Great Britain, known simply as the "Kennel Club".

Once you have found the breed that fits your requirements the most closely, you need to find a reputable dog breeder with puppies for sale. With all dog breeders however, you should ask lots of questions, and satisfy yourself about that dog breeder. Many web sites have links to classified advertisements for purebred puppies and dogs for sale from professional kennels, hobby and occasional dog breeders.

Some good dog breeder sites are listed on the web, but I am not yet convinced that all the best small local breeders in your area will be represented on the web yet.

For this reason I declined from providing links here on this page to those listed on the web. For most people the best policy will be to sit down with a local paper and read the classified adverts for dogs and puppy advertisements. Also, do look in your local telephone directory, local pet shop and newsagent's windows for puppies advertised.

The larger dog breeds sites usually also have links to rescue and breed organizations, and can suggest names to name your new puppy or dog.

Local dog rescue homes are continually looking out for those able to offer their dogs a home. Look at your local dog rescue centre first before reading the web's dog breeder information. If you are able to find an appropriate pet for your family at a local shelter or rescue, visit our dog breeders page you will be doing both that dog and society a big favor.

Breeds

Recent work has been done to genetically classify the various breeds, with some surprising results regarding the estimated age and interrelations of the breeds.

By the way, do be aware that it is a myth that there are dog breeds, who have hair, but don't shed!

Conclusion

You don't have to have own a large house to own a dog (although a tiny apartment isn't going to be big enough for one of the giant breeds), so almost all of us can consider ownership. Choose wisely, and do you homework on each breed before you buy, and there is no reason why you will not find that you will like your dog immensely and experience a very good happy relationship with you dog.

The author also runs a lively and varied Dog Breeds Information Compendium web site at http://www.dog-breeds.me.uk . You should take a visit!