Pets frequently give great joy to their families and make a household more of a home. We look at some of the traits and characteristics of popular breeds of dogs, and the alternative humble moggy.

1. German Shepherd – Apparently the correct name for a breed sometimes called the Alsatian, a term derived from the Alsace-Lorraine area and possibly used derisively.

Highly popular and supposedly the first breed used as a guide dog for the blind. They are from the Herding Breed Group and were developed in the 19th century as a working dog.

They are quite a big animal – up to 40-45 kilos and often trained by the Police for various purposes.

An excellent guard dog they tend to bond more closely with one family member whom they respect and trust.

Even the smooth haired ones tend to shed a great deal of hair, and daily brushing is recommended.

2. Australian Cattle Dog – They come in a variety of strains – the Blue, Red or Queensland heelers.

They were bred to herd cattle by nipping at their heels.

The nipping trait seems to have been ingrained and if they don’t have cattle around to practice on they will in moments of excitement try adults or children.

They are very active and have great strength and endurance – and do need plenty of exercise and training.

Obviously loyal with their own families’ children but also described as fairly intolerant of young children.

3. Jack Russell Terrier – First and foremost hunting dogs – though it is frankly hard to imagine Eddie from the popular TV series Frasier hunting anything.

Their instinct is to hunt, and as one breeder said, they’ll as likely teach you how to hunt as anything.

Throughout Europe, Canada and many other parts of the world Jack Russells are used as pest control over a wide range of quarry – rats, rabbits, mink, foxes, even racoons and most certainly possums.

As working/hunting dogs their role is to seek and pursue vermin and indicate their presence either above or below ground by barking.

Tenacity is their byword, and they have unlimited energy. 

Their relationship with children is described by one as “entirely individual.”

4. Labradors – Rural Living’s editor, Angelique, has two Labradors fondly referred to as ‘slobradogs’ due to their propensity for being slobs.

Also nicknamed Labrahoovers by some owners, Labradors are everybody’s best friend – especially if everybody has a little morsel of something to snack on.  Labradors are quite trustworthy when it comes to children – within the confines of common sense – but should never be left alone with food.

Generally easy going dogs that are eager to please, Labradors train easily but prefer games to work.

5. Cats – There are too many cat breeds to even begin to list, so we may have to dedicate a feature to them one day.  This will depend on the local cats deigning to speak to us of course. 

If you have never had a cat and are considering one as the family pet there are some important considerations.

Cats are very independent creatures and prefer to tell you when they want attention. Unlike dogs they don’t like to be fussed over unless they have initiated the event.

More fragile than dogs, cats can be easily hurt by a child dropping them or dropping on them – especially kittens or the more slender breeds like Siamese.

Despite what people think – cats can be trained and often quite quickly if you are prepared to use food rather than praise.

A cat’s only form of defence is its claws. They will let you know if they are unhappy, with a quick swipe.