Choosing the right dog breed
Did you know that there are literally hundreds of different dog breeds? When you decide to get a dog, choosing the right dog breed for you and your family is essential. With so many different dog breeds available, this can become a very daunting task. Fortunately, there are ways you can narrow down your options a bit, which makes it all that much easier.
First of all, you need to consider one important factor… How much space do you have? If you live in an apartment, it doesn’t make much sense to get a large dog that takes up a lot of space and also needs a lot of exercise. For living areas with limited space, consider a group of Toy dogs, such as the Terrier Group or the Miniature Pinscher. The cost of keeping your dog should also be evaluated. Very large dogs can eat significant amounts of food, while smaller dogs will eat very little by comparison. Try to estimate the cost of several different dog breeds over a twelve month period. Take into account feeding and regular visits to the vet for inoculation, deworming, etc. You will see that larger dogs are usually much more expensive to keep.
If you have children, you may want to consider what breed of dog would suit them. Kids can be pretty rough with pets sometimes; getting a chihuahua, for example, may not be a good idea, as they are delicate animals. Similarly, having a Great Dane or Saint Bernard hanging around the house can be dangerous for a child. Age and the number of children you have should definitely be considered, as this will affect what type of dog will best suit your circumstances.
Another important point to consider is how much exercise you can offer your dog. If you have a reasonably sized yard, fencing it off will provide a good space for your dog to exercise. If you live in an apartment, consider getting a dog that requires very little exercise. An excitable border collie would be a poor choice for apartment living. Also, how much exercise can you handle? There is no point in having a dog that requires a lot of exercise, such as a hunting or sporting dog, if you can’t keep up with the exercise regimen. Try to get a dog that suits your lifestyle.
Grooming your dog is something to think about. If you don’t have a lot of free time in your life, try to avoid dog breeds like the standard poodle, which will need very regular grooming sessions. Shorthaired Terriers or Whippets are a good choice for someone who has little time to sit and groom themselves for hours at a time. Conversely, if you have a lot of free time, regular grooming sessions with your dog will give you both lots of quality time that you will both enjoy.
When choosing your dog, take a look at the big picture. Try to resist the urge to pick the cutest, cuddliest, most lovable dog you can find. Consider your lifestyle, your home, your family, and try to find a breed of dog that best fits your life. After all, your new dog will be sharing your life with you for many years to come, so it’s important to make sure you’re both happy.