SolveYourProblem.com Article Series: Dog Care
Dog Care Tips
How
To Choose The Right Dog For You
Getting a new dog is one of the greatest joys
in the world. Make this great time even better by knowing exactly
what kind of dog will complement your family’s lifestyle.
Before you get a dog, you will want to make sure to discuss
with your family who will have the primary responsibility of
taking care of and training the dog. You will want to find
a good veterinarian close by, and you will want to consider
the cost of keeping a dog. You will also want to make sure
to have supplies such as bowls, a bed, a crate, leash , collar,
and toys prior to your new dog coming home.
Also before you get your new dog, you will want to consider
different breeds and their compatibility to your lifestyle.
Large dogs are generally not for apartment dwellers or the
elderly. Small dogs are not for people who want to be active
with their dogs. Temperament is another thing to consider.
You will also want to decide if you want a puppy or an older
dog. Certain breeds have inherent health problems like eye
problems or hip dysplasia, so you will want to take all of
that into consideration before choosing a breed.
If you decide to get a purebred
puppy, there are resources
to help you find a reputable breeder. Your local kennel club
has access to area breeders that specialize in certain breeds.
If you are looking for an older dog, this can also be a good
resource as many breeders may have adult dogs available as
well. Your veterinarian can be a great resource as well as
oftentimes they have assisted area breeders.
If you are planning on hunting
with your dog, you may want
to consider one of the sporting breeds. The most popular of
the sporting group are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden
Retriever. Both are relatively easy to train and are good with
children. You will want to have a more active lifestyle and
ideally a fenced in yard if you are looking for a dog of this
nature.
Many people prefer dogs from the AKC’s
working group. Breeds
that belong to this group include the Rottweiler, the Siberian
Husky, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer.
Generally, these dogs require an experienced owner who can
firmly establish leadership. Many of the dogs of the working
group have thick undercoats and shed a lot, so you will want
to consider if this is something you want to deal with. You
also want to make sure you choose a dog in this category from
a reputable breeder as hip dysplasia is common in these breeds.
Toy
dogs are very popular today as you see many celebrities
toting around their adorable little dogs. But don’t let the
size fool you. Oftentimes, these cute little dogs have big
personalities. Dogs in this group include the Pug, the Shih
Tzu, the Pomeranian, and the Maltese. These small dogs still
require training and a fair amount of exercise, but may be
a better choice for apartment dwellers and people with older
children.
If
you have a farm and work livestock, you may want to consider
one of the dogs in the herding group. These dogs include the
Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd,
and the Shetland Sheepdog. The Border Collie is a very intelligent
dog that requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental.
If you want to spend a lot of active time with a dog, you might
choose a dog like this.
You may be interested in considering a mixed breed dog. These
dogs can be wonderful family companions, as much so as purebred
dogs.
Due to the large population of dogs, many people are interested
in adopting a dog. Talk to your local humane society or breed
rescue organization for assistance with adoption.
The most important thing to do when choosing a dog is to take
your time and get to know many different breeds of dog. Talk
to pet store personnel, groomers, breeders, and your veterinary
staff for assistance. Make sure to consider all aspects of
dog care and you can ensure a happy time for your new dog and
family.
#
# # # #
SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
>
Home Page > Dog
Care Articles:
Main Page |
