Purebred, Crossbreed or Mongrel  
The Six Groups of Dogs  
The Advantages of a Purebred Dog  
Crossbreeds and Mongrels  
Male vs. Female  
Large and Small Dogs  
Long-Haired and Short-Haired Dogs  
Puppy or Older Dog  
Some Pointers on Picking the Individual Dog  

LONG-HAIRED AND SHORT-HAIRED DOGS

The type of coat is an important factor in the selection of a dog. Unless you send the dog to a canine beauty salon, you'll have to spend time grooming a long-haired dog. There's also the problem of shedding hair. All dogs shed hair, usually twice a year. (The Bedlington Terrier breeders claim their breed doesn't shed.) Shedding takes place in the spring and fall; more often if the dog is kept indoors or fed a faulty diet.

Short-haired and smooth-haired dogs require no trimming, and a vigorous brushing will keep them looking their best. Long, thick-coated dogs, such as the Collies, Saint Bernards and Samoyeds, need more frequent brushings and possibly combing out of burs and other foreign matter. The fancy-trim dogs-Poodle, Afghan and Bedlington Terrier-need to be trimmed and groomed according to their breed standards. You'll have to learn how to do this special trimming and plucking, or else pay a professional dog groomer for the job. Trimming instructions can be secured from the specific breed clubs. Wirehaired dogs need to be trimmed and plucked about twice a year. If neglected, their coats become soft, fuzzy and matted. Needless to say, if you don't want to be bothered with trimming and elaborate grooming, your choice is narrowed down to the short-haired or smooth-haired varieties.