Choosing the dog that's right for you...
So you've decided to choose a dog, and bring it into your life! WONDERFUL! The right dog can provide you with years of loving companionship. A dog will become your best friend, your constant companion, and - often - your four-legged, furry child. It's important, however, to choose the right dog for you and your family. Different dog breeds have different needs, so it's imperitive to choose the right dog breed for your family. You need to decide whether you want a large, or small dog. Whether you want a short or long hair. Whether you want an active or "lap" dog. These questions and more need to be honestly answered before you choose your new dog.
All dogs have their own various health issues, and other problems. These vary by breed, but primarily be the size of the dog. Large dogs, for instance, can suffer all manner of problems. Their joints and bones can develop arthritis more readily than a smaller dog. They are more succeptible to heart disease, and to hip-displasia (a degenerative hip disease). Large dogs also take up more room, so you will need a larger crate, and more room for them to run! Smaller dogs are not immune to health issues, though. They face problems all their own. Small dogs with short muzzles (short faces/noses) are much more succeptible to breathing problems than their longer-nosed counterparts. Smaller breeds are often more prone to nasal and sinus problems, as well as respiritory infections (much like a human).
Before
you
choose which dog to buy, try
asking yourself the following questions:
- How much time can I spend with my dog? - Dogs are social creatures, and crave companionship. If you don't have a lot of time to spend with your dog, your dog may become withdrawn, or depressed. If your time is limited, make sure your breed is fairly self-sufficient, and is not dependant on its owners.
- How much exercise can I provide for my dog? - Dogs need plenty of exercise. Larger breeds more so than smaller. This means one of two things. Either you'll have to have a big backyard for your dog - smaller dogs can get by in a neighborhood with relatively small lots, larger dogs need up to a half an acre, or better - or you'll have to take your dog for walks. If you don't enjoy walking, or have trouble with it, a smaller breed is best, as they need less frequent, and shorter walks. If you enjoy getting out and walking around your neighborhood, then a large breed should be fine.
- What kind of grooming can I commit to? - If you don't think you'll have the time to groom your dog on a regular basis, then do not buy a long haired dog. Long haired dogs need constant attention to the coat. Short haired dogs only need occasional brushing, and burr and tick removal.
- Can I train my dog? - Although there are many professional trainers who can train your dog for you, the most effective training is to either do it yourself, or be involved in the training process. If you have no time to train your dog, then you would do best getting a beed that is more easily trained, or can primarily stay outside.
- How much room do I have? - This should be obvious. If you live in a house, a duplex, or a large apartment, a large breed should be fine. If you live in a regular apartment, get a small breed. Trust me, that golden retriever might call out to you, but when you're watching it race around your 750sq.ft. apartment, tearing up everything in sight, you'll reconsider.
- What characteristics do I want? - Different dog breeds have different charcteristics. Some breeds are socail, some are loud, some are quiet, some are protective, some are docile, some are more affectionate than others, and so on. Spend some time making a list of the characteristics you want in your dog - ask your family members to do the same - and then compare that list to dog breeds, to decide on the best fit!
Choosing a dog is sometimes a difficult task, but if you follow the above guidelines, and spend some time looking at - and playing with - various beeds, you'll find the perfect dog for your family.