Non-Sporting is a catchall group. Each breed must be judged by the purpose for which it was created. No generalities can be drawn. Some of the most popular and challenging breeds fall in these ranks - Chows, Dalmatians, Lhasa Apso, and Shar Pei - so be sure to do your homework carefully. The same instructions hold true for Rare Breeds.

There are always a few rare breeds rising in popularity. Proceed with caution! Many of these up-and-coming breeds are hunting or guard dogs. Do you really want a dog around who was created to, and whose parents loved to, kill bears? Do you have a bear problem? Black bear in your basement? Grizzlies in your garage?

If you do NOT have a bear problem then you do NOT need this breed. Choose a family companion to do what you need him to do every day of his long life - love your kids and chase a tennis ball.

Large, powerful breeds naively bought for some perceived need for protection too often end up injuring family members, often the children, more frequently than they save lives.

 

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