Brushing is needed to remove the dead hair from wire-coated terriers and poodles, and professional grooming is necessary to maintain texture and color in wirehaired terriers. These breeds are generally better than heavily shedding breeds for owners with allergies. Dogs with oily outer coats can develop a doggy odor that can be unpleasant, and dogs with short coats may not do well in northern climates. Potential health problems Large and medium breeds are subject to several joint problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia and loose kneecaps. Dalmatians are susceptible to kidney problems, several breeds carry a bleeding disorder, and Newfoundlands are vulnerable to certain heart defects.
Giant breeds tend to be short-lived.
Ease of training Some breeds are fairly easy to train, and some are quite difficult. The breeds that were designed to work independently of man require lots of persistence and firmness for training while those that work closely with their owners are easier to teach. If you lack time and patience to deal with a dog that is difficult to train, then an older dog from a rescue service may fit your bill as well as a pup of a breed that is traditionally easier to train. As a rule, terriers, hounds, and northern dogs are tough to train because of their intelligence and independent natures, and sporting and herding dogs are easier to train. The sharpest-working obedience breeds are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs, those that traditionally work well with humans.