101 Things to Know Before Getting a Dog. Susan Ewing M.

Terriers are solid, fun-loving, playful dogs weighing 50 to 70 pounds and standing about 22 inches at the shoulder. They may not love other dogs, but they’ll love all of your family members and will welcome strangers, too. They have short, easy-care coats and will happily join you in whatever activity you have in mind. Genetic problems include heart disease, deafness, luxating patellas, dry eye, and ectropion. Entropion causes the lower eyelid to turn outward, exposing the inner eyelid and causing irritation. Bull Terriers are also prone to allergies, causing itching and ear infections. The Bull Terrier’s lifespan is ten to twelve years.

      Airedale Terriers are the largest terriers, and they were much more popular in the early 1900s than they are today. They were used by the military in World War I. Airedales stand 21 to 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. While they are not always good around other dogs or smaller animals, they are intelligent and loyal. No matter how active you are, the Airedale can keep up, but he needs guidance so that he’s not destructive. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, renal disease, hypothyroidism, and dilated cardiomyopathy. The Airedale’s life span is ten to thirteen years.

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      Non-Sporting Group

      The AKC’s Non-Sporting Group includes:

      Bichon Frise, Keeshond, Shiba Inu, Boston Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniel, Bulldog, Lowchen, Tibetan Terrier, Chow Chow, Norwegian Lundehund, Xoloitzcuintli, Dalmatian, Poodle, French Bulldog, Schipperke

      Many of the dogs in the Non-Sporting Group used to have specific jobs but, for one reason or another, they no longer do those jobs. For example, the Dalmatian used to run alongside horse-drawn coaches to guard them and deter robbers. The Norwegian Lundehund was bred to hunt puffins and has extra toes on each foot to make rock climbing easier. These breeds are now classified in the Non-Sporting Group because they don’t seem to fit any of the other groups.

      Sizes and energy levels range widely in this group. The Dalmatian is the tallest and arguably the most energetic, although the diminutive Schipperke is pretty high-energy, too. Standard and Miniature Poodles find themselves in this group along with the American Eskimo Dog, which comes in three sizes: the toy measures between 9 and 12 inches, the miniature measures between 12 and 15 inches, and the standard measures between 15 and 19 inches. These dogs are friendly, intelligent, and playful, and they also make good watchdogs. If you don’t mind a lot of hair, you might consider an American Eskimo Dog.

      Bulldogs consistently rank among the AKC’s most popular breeds. They may look gruff and tough, but they are really lovable family companions. They don’t need much exercise, so they’re a good choice for apartment living. Because of their short noses, they can overheat easily and may suffer from heatstroke; in hot weather, take that walk around the block early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler. Bulldogs have short coats, so grooming is simple, but those wrinkles need daily care. Some Bulldogs have an elongated palate, which can make breathing even more difficult, and they are prone to eye diseases and subject to bloat.

      Toy Poodles are 10 inches and under at the shoulder, while Miniatures are more than 10 but less than 15 inches at the shoulder. Poodles in all three varieties are intelligent, playful pets who can conquer just about any dog sport, from retrieving ducks to obedience and agility to dock diving—and everything in between. Don’t be put off by the show clip—you can keep your Poodle in a modified puppy clip. Poodles don’t shed, which is part of their popularity, but you will need to visit a groomer every four to six weeks or learn to clip your dog yourself. Health concerns include hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism. A Poodle’s lifespan is fourteen to eighteen years.