There can be no friend more faithful than a guide-dog.
These wonderful dogs - usually Labradors, Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds - are specially trained to act as "eye" for blind people, and are complete professionals.
A blind person relies so completely on his or her dog that the training must be rigorous and thorough.
The reassurance and security a guide-dog gives makes this possibly the most important and worthwhile canine "job.
" The Perfect Protector Protective instincts are naturally strong in a dog.
The desire to guard and keep safe extends to the dog's owner and family, the house and yard.
A good watch-dog is one of the most reliable burglar alarms you can have.
It doesn't have to be a huge Great Dane or a Mastiff; smaller dogs will put up the alarm vocally just as well.
A dog can be trained as an excellent security guard.
Other assets such as its senses of smell and hearing help it to do the job well.
And dogs are inquisitive - nothing if not curious when it comes to a stranger or an unfamiliar scent.
Working Dogs As well as assisting man in his sport, dogs have always helped him in his work.
A dog's alertness, interest, exuberance and stamina fits it for a busy "career.
" Some dogs are born to work and should be given the opportunity.
A working sheepdog is a heartwarming sight, and one which you can see in action at Sheepdog Trials.
Herding and droving dogs love their work and are used all over the world, working with cattle and sheep, often in remote areas.
Their terrific strength and powers of endurance make dogs from snowy regions, such as Huskies, able to pull heavy loads on sleds.