subject: How To Choose The Right Dog [print this page] Choosing a dog is a big decision and involves more than simply picking out the cutest puppy of the litter. While some people decide to get a dog as a family pet, others might want a dog for protection or for sporting activities like hunting. Whatever the reason, keep in mind that your new dog is a companion that you must care for and spend time with. Below, learn more about the considerations to make in order to find the right dog for you and your family.
Examine Your Lifestyle:
Before you start looking at different types of dogs, it's important to examine your own lifestyle and determine how a dog will fit in. Where you live, your family make-up, how active you are, and how much you are willing to ultimately spend on your pet should be contributing factors in your final decision. For example, if you live in a small apartment with no yard, you might not want a large dog that needs plenty of space to run and play. Potential pet owners with families should make sure that the breed they choose is known to be friendly towards children. Dogs that require a great deal of grooming and maintenance may not be the best choice if your finances are more limited. Determining which type of dog will best match your lifestyle will ensure happiness for both you and your pet.
Purebred vs. Mixed Breed:
Once you have a general idea of the right kind of dog for your lifestyle, you can then examine the different breeds of dogs to narrow down your choices even more. You can either choose a purebred dog or a mixed breed dog.
A purebred dog has parents and ancestors of the same breed, making it extremely likely that the dog will have many similar traits to that particular breed group. Labrador Retrievers, for example, are known to be friendly and active, making excellent family dogs. While it may seem like a guarantee that you'll know exactly what you're getting in terms of health conditions and temperament, keep in mind that each dog is unique. Just because a specific breed is known for being good hunters does not mean that your dog will be an expert hunter.
A mixed-breed dog has parents and ancestors of different breeds, for example, a dog can be part Cocker Spaniel and part Chihuahua and have traits from both breeds. Some people may be turned off by not knowing what kind of dog they have or the personality traits and health conditions that come along with it. Yet, with the development of effective dog DNA testing, you can now have your dog tested to determine its ancestors. A mixed-breed dog can bring the best of many breeds into your home, and by understanding its ancestry, you can develop training and nutrition plans catered to its needs.
Meet the Dogs:
Be sure to meet many different dogs before you make your final decision. You don't want to make a decision online and realize that the dog you chose isn't friendly, or is too shy, or barks too much. Spend time with a few different dogs, and find the one that you interact well with one that you'll be able to care for and spend a great deal of time with. You are, after all, not just choosing a pet, you're making a new friendship.
by: Angela Hughes
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