How to Choose the Right Dog Breed

Did you know that there are several hundreds of dog breeds? With that large number of breeds to choose from, how do pet owners manage to decide which breed is right for them? If you’re still looking for the right dog breed that matches your personality and living conditions, these simple steps should help you on your search.

Before you even decide for sure that you want a dog, you need to ask yourself and anyone who lives with you for their approval. 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 in other cases, problems may arise. You have to consider that not all dogs are good with children and some may not be ideal for families. Some dogs may also not be good for the city, while other breeds may not fair well in rural areas. But most importantly, owning a dog has its responsibilities…

• Do you know all about the work it takes to raise a dog? For instance housebreaking, obedience training, veterinary care, exercise requirements?
• Have you considered which dog breed would work for your situation i.e. young children, gone all day, small apartment?
• Can you afford to properly take 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 does not 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, and allergies you or your companions may have.

First things first, make sure you know enough about the various dog breeds, their strengths and weaknesses. You can talk with reputable breeders of the type of dog you are interested in. If you are well acquainted with a veterinarian, he or she may be another good source. Go to the library or 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.

It 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 may easily adapt to large crowds, even large households. If you live with an older person, someone with disabilities, or if you live in a small area, you should look for dog that is small, quiet and gentle– preferably a cuddler.

We all know someone who chose a certain dog breed because they had one like it when they were younger or maybe, their family has always shown great preference for a certain breed. There are also dog owners who pick a certain dog breed because of a dog’s “cuteness” factor. Choosing a dog over his looks alone can return disastrous results– needless to say, don’t let a dog’s appearance be the deciding factor.

Purebred VS Mixed Breed

There are varying opinions on whether to choose a purebred dog or a mixed breed. 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. If possible, see the mother dog for yourself. If she is cranky and high-strung, then the puppy may be too, as they often mimic the behavior 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 his 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 behavioral problems beforehand. 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 the puppy and your children are comfortable in each other’s presence, you have found yourself a keeper.