Choosing a dog - how to choose the right dog for you

Congratulations, you’ve made the decision to make a 4-legged companion apart of your family. However, have you given much thought to the dog you want? Or, if you already have your mind set on a certain breed, have you considered if this particular breed is suitable to your lifestyle?

There are many things you need to take into consideration before you make your final decision including:

• Dog experience - Is this your first time owning a dog? If so, you may want to look for breeds that have a docile and easy-going temperament such as a Golden Retriever or Bichon Frise. Dogs that require serious dominance training such as Rotweiller, or hyper active dogs such as Jack Russell Terriers, are not ideal choices for the first time dog owner.

• NaturalBreedInstincts – Every dog breed has a history that will often tell you they were bred for a particular reason such as hunting, retrieving, herding, guarding, etc. You need to understand that these traits can not be trained out of your dog. I.E., if a dog was bred to chase rodents, he’ll always chase rodents.

• Energy level – Each breed has their own exercise guidelines, and these guidelines are not always size related. There are a few small and medium dog breeds (IE. Jack Russell Terrier) that require plenty of exercise and will become destructive if they are not provided with the energy release they need. On the other hand, some large dog breeds are quite inactive, and although need exercise, do not have high energy levels such as the Great Dane.

• Health issues – Not every dog breed has a long life span, and virtually every breed has hereditary health problems you need to be aware of. However, some breeds are at a higher risk of developing health issues more than others. For instance, the English Bulldog is one of the shortest-lived dog breeds and is prone to numerous health ailments.

• Compatibility with children and other pets – If you have children, or are planning to have children, you need to make sure you select a breed that is tolerant and patient with children such as Golden Retriever. Keep in mind that many small dogs, especially those in the toy group, are not a good match with small children. They can be easily injured and are more likely to snap at a teasing child.

If you have other pets, make sure the dog breed you select is accepting of other animals, and your current pets can tolerate a dog. Keep in mind that some dogs generally only get along with their breed, and two male dogs can be an aggressive combination. Furthermore, dogs bred for hunting and tracking rodents can not be trusted with pet rodents or cats.

• Size – Never forget that puppies grow. Make sure you know how big the dog you are interested in will be when fully grown. Is your home large enough to accommodate the size? If you live in a medium or larger sized house or that has a yard a dog can run around in, a large, medium or small breed is suitable. If you live in an apartment or a small house with no yard, most medium to small breeds are suitable.

• Mixed breeds – Be careful when considering non-purebred dogs as these dogs may have unpredictable temperaments. Make sure you study the characteristic temperaments related to the parents of the dog to find out what qualities have been passed down from both sides.

Finally, make sure you fully research all dogs you are interested in before making your decision. You need to know what to expect when it comes to the dogs temperament, health, and grooming requirements. Owning a dog is a huge commitment and responsibility. Dogs need your constant care, love and attention.