How To Choose The Right Breed Of Dog For You?

 Did you know that there are several hundred dog breeds? With that large number of breeds to choose from, how do people manage to decide which breed is right for them? Luckily, you can narrow down the choices and find the right dog breed by following a few simple steps.

Before you even decide for sure that you want a dog, you need to ask yourself and anyone who lives with you a few questions. All too often people act on impulse and just suddenly decide it would be nice to have a pet in the house. Sometimes it works out just fine, but frequently there are problems. Times to be especially careful are Christmas or children’s birthdays. You see a cute puppy and can see / imagine your kids and your dog playing happily together. Time for a little realism: 

•  Do you know all about the work it takes to raise a dog? For instance housebreaking, obedience training, veterinary care, exercise requirements?

• Have you stopped to consider which dog breeds would work for your situation i.e. young children, gone all day, small apartment?

• Can you afford to take proper care of a dog? There are vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flee control, grooming, boarding expenses if you travel, food, and unexpected emergency care, and toys to keep him from becoming bored

•  Will you or a family member have time to exercise the dog everyday?

• Are your children responsible enough to make sure the dog doesn’t escape through an open door carelessly left open?

• Will an adult be present when other children visit, at least until you know your dog’s disposition?

• If you decide on a puppy will someone be available to take it outside every couple of hours?

• Are you willing to spend the time and if necessary the money to provide excellent obedience training so that you’ll have a well-behaved animal?

• Will you commit to sharing your life with a dog for the rest of its life?

If you are able to answer all these questions with a “yes” then it’s time to decide on the breed that is just right for you. There are a number of factors to think about, including the size of your family, the age of your children, how much time someone is at home with the dog, an allergies you or your companions may have. In other words, you should do some serious thinking before you make your decision.

If you don’t already know about various breeds, be sure to do some research before you make your choice. You can talk with reputable breeders of the type of dog you have an interest in. If you are well acquainted with a veterinarian, he or she may be another good source. Go to the library and surf the web to find out everything you can about the breeds that appeal to you. Dog obedience trainers are also good people to consult.

You also would be wise to think about the personality and habits of your family. If you are a busy group, friendly and outgoing, then you should look for a dog breed that usually exhibits those qualities. If you are a senior, disabled, or live in a small space, you should look for dog that is small, quiet and gentle− preferably a cuddler.

We all know someone who chose a dog because they had one like it when he or she was a child or maybe your family of origin always picked a certain breed. Then there are those who see a dog they must have because it’s cute. Unless you know about his breed this could end up being a disastrous choice for all concerned.

There are varying opinions on whether to choose a purebred dog or a mixed breed. There are pros and cons for both. If you opt for a purebred it will most likely cost you quite a bit of money. If that doesn’t matter to you, you still want to check out the breeder’s credentials as well as knowing something about the puppy’s history. Try to at least meet the mother dog. If she is cranky and high-strung, then the puppy may be too, as they often mimic the behaviour of the mother. Be aware too that dogs can be over bred to the point that they develop health problems as they grow older. You must be able to trace his lineage back several generations as well as be sure that the papers are authentic.

Mixed breed dogs can make wonderful pets, and in fact may be easier to get along with. The problem of course is that you aren’t likely to have any knowledge of his ancestry. That means you won’t know about health issues or behavioural problems. If you can spend some time with the dog before you adopt him, and also have a vet give him a thorough examination. If you have children, try to see how the dog acts around them if you can do it without getting their hopes up, only to possibly be disappointed.

Click here for a list of Dog Breeds that you can choose from..

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