An Introduction to Companion Dogs, Flushing Spaniels and Herding Dogs

Are you thinking about getting a dog, but you aren't yet sure what kind to get? Dog breeds tend to be grouped into main categories, and it can help you narrow your choice if you consider the main characteristics of these breed groups.

In this article, I want to introduce you to three of the most popular breed groups - the companion dogs, the flushing spaniels, and the herding dogs. Of these three groups, only the companion dogs were originally bred to be house pets. However, many people share their homes with spaniels and shepherds.

The first companion dog breed may have been the Maltese, which originated around 3,000 BC -- statues of Maltese dogs have been found in Egyptian tombs, and their descendants may include both the pug and the toy poodle.

Most people living in cities and suburbs are looking for a dog that will just be a pet -- something that these dogs were actually developed for. They were bred, for over 5,000 years, to hang out with and entertain people. Companion dogs can be perfect for older people who need a lap dog or just company. It's their job, after all.

They may not be a good choice if your children are small, or if your children cannot be trusted to treat the dog gently. Also, be aware that puppy mills love to churn out these small animals by the hundreds because their small size makes them easy to handle. Puppy mill dogs may be difficult to housebreak and can have other behavioral abnormalities that cannot be overcome, even with the most careful training and care. Be sure to know your breeder before adopting one of these small dogs.

Some of the popular companion breeds are: Toy Poodle, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Papillon, Yorkshire Terrier and Lhasa Apso

The flushing spaniel breeds include some of America's favorite bird dogs, the American and English Cocker Spaniel and the Springer spaniel, as well as the Clumber and Field spaniels, among others. And of course the cockapoo, the once insanely popular intentional mutt, has to be included, sort of.

These dogs are bred to assist the hunter by first finding the birds in the brush, then flushing them out when their hunter is close enough for a good shot. They have always worked closely with their human partners, and they will look to humans for direction and guidance, making them excellent pets for people who have active lifestyles.

In the 50's the American Cocker became one of the most sought-after and soon over-bred dog in the country. Over-breeding resulted in a loss of the warmth and responsiveness that caused them to become so popular in the first place, but some breeders were more responsibile, so it's still possible to find a good pet spaniel if you take care to find the right breeder.

The other flushing spaniels seem to have been spared from this fate, and are more apt to act true to type. They need lots of exercise, of course.

The herding dog breeds that assist shepherds and cattlemen round up their flocks and herds include Welsh corgi's as well as the Border collie, Australian shepherd, Old English sheepdog and German shepherd. These dogs are usually intelligent, (although some owners think their Old English sheepdogs aren't all that bright). Herding breeds are almost always loyal; they can be protective (even too protective for some situations); and they're highly trainable.

Most herding dogs are fairly easy to train to walk on a lead, and are even good candidates for more specialized agility or Schutzhund training. If you want a dog that is capable of learning to respond to a large human vocabulary, and to be always watching you for direction and commands, a dog from this group may be a good choice.

Just be aware that they will always be looking to you for direction. Some people are not comfortable with this personality, and need a more independent spirit in their dog.

Dogs of this group can be the one-man or one-woman dog that some people are looking for. Once they have attached themselves to you, you won't have to wonder if they'd be just as happy living with the family down the street.

Unfortunately, a fairly large number of Border collies and Australian shepherds are relinquished to animal control, because these dogs have a very hard time adjusting to human work schedule. When we're working, they think they should be working, too. (Except for them, herding sheep or chasing the Frisbee isn't really work -- it's the excitement that makes life worth living!)

Many of these dogs become insanely bored if they're locked in the back yard, so they dig their way out or find something to take apart or learn to unlock your gate. Herding breeds may also have a strong instinct to nip at anyone who moves, including your children. This is a natural herding behavior and is not a sign of dominance, but it can be aggravating if you dog always seems to be herding your children into a corner of the yard. Yet many children who grow up with "Old Shep" have a lifelong love for these loyal companions.