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| Nov 23 2006, 2:50 PM EST (current) | Anonymous | |
| Aug 9 2006, 9:27 PM EDT | whickums | 89 words added, 18 words deleted |
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Choosing the right dog is a very personal decision and there are many things to consider when selecting the best pup for you.
The Breed
Aside from thinking long and hard about whether it's even a good idea to get a dog in the first place, arguably the single most important factor in choosing a dog is carefully selecting the right breed, or whether a pure bred dog is the right choice to begin with. There are dozens of dog breeds that all have their strengths and weaknesses, as well as a seemingly limitless array of mixed breeds. It's wise to consider breed size, temperament, energy level, coat maintenance, and cost when choosing the best type of dog.
The recent trend of owning designer dogs, such as Labradoodles (a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle) can combine the best of two or more breeds, eliminate some typical breed shortcomings, and can be a good option for those of us who are looking for something different and new.
Alternatively, many people have success by forgoing an expensive pure breed and adopting a mixed breed, which can have fewer of the health problems associated with over breeding, and offer the added benefit of creating a home for the many dogs residing in adoption shelters. Mixed breed dogs also have the benefit of being completely unique and lovably original, and in many cases are older animals, where it's easier for you to identify personality and behavior traits of the dog you will take home.
Family matters
It's important to consider the rest of the family when getting a dog. Small children are are consistently at the top of the list for dog bites and attacks. In most cases, the child did not know how to properly interact with the dog. When introducing a dog into a home with small children, it is very important to first teach your children how to properly approach and handle a dog, and also when it is best to leave them alone, such as during mealtimes or if the dogs are in heat or have new puppies. It is also very important to never leave small children unsupervised with dogs. Another factor to consider is how much excercise and interaction your dog will benefit from. Some dogs will require excercse and interaction by someone every day, which will have an impact on the family both in terms of making time for this activity, as well as determining who within the family will be responsible for this. Other dogs will be content to simply be a companion, and won't require such a dedicated committment of time from family members.
The same is true for the need the your dog might have for companionship from other dogs, as well as the interaction your dog will have with other pets in your household.
Some dogs do well as the only pets in a family, while others will benefit from having other four-legged around.
Lifestyle
Most of us would agree that living in a small urban apartment isn't agreeable to owning a large Greyhound. However, size is just one of many factors to consider when choosing a dog. Consider the temperment and excercise requirements of the dog you choose along with the realities of where you live. Apartment living can be made to work for barking or energetic dogs, but it means that you'll need to make a sizable and consistent effort to get your dog out for excercise and socialization - likely two to four times a day. The energy level and walking or running needs of these same dogs will require lots of time and effort and are best suited for people with plenty of spare time and large backyards or access to large parks nearby.
Allergies
Before making a commitment to a dog, it's important to determine if you or anyone in your family is allergic to dogs. Even if there is an allergy problem, some "low-dander" dogs (such as Poodles, Basenjis, and American Hairless Terriers) are less prone to cause allergic reactions in people and may be good candidates for joining your household. These dogs shed lower amounts of hair and dander and are typically considered "hypoallergenic."
Cleanliness (drooling/shedding)
Some dogs are, by nature, cleaner than others. It's wise to evaluate the grooming needs of the dog you're considering along with your own home cleanliness standards. Short-haired dogs can require as much care and/or household tidying as long-haired dogs if they are a breed that sheds a lot, such as Labradors.
Drooling is also an issue, particularly for those of us who either asthetically don't want to see this reflexive behavior or don't want to be cleaning up after a drooling dog throughout the day. If that is the case, some breeds such as Newfoundlands, Bulldogs, and Mastiffs should be avoided.
The Breed
Aside from thinking long and hard about whether it's even a good idea to get a dog in the first place, arguably the single most important factor in choosing a dog is carefully selecting the right breed, or whether a pure bred dog is the right choice to begin with. There are dozens of dog breeds that all have their strengths and weaknesses, as well as a seemingly limitless array of mixed breeds. It's wise to consider breed size, temperament, energy level, coat maintenance, and cost when choosing the best type of dog.
The recent trend of owning designer dogs, such as Labradoodles (a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle) can combine the best of two or more breeds, eliminate some typical breed shortcomings, and can be a good option for those of us who are looking for something different and new.
Alternatively, many people have success by forgoing an expensive pure breed and adopting a mixed breed, which can have fewer of the health problems associated with over breeding, and offer the added benefit of creating a home for the many dogs residing in adoption shelters. Mixed breed dogs also have the benefit of being completely unique and lovably original, and in many cases are older animals, where it's easier for you to identify personality and behavior traits of the dog you will take home.
Family matters
It's important to consider the rest of the family when getting a dog. Small children are are consistently at the top of the list for dog bites and attacks. In most cases, the child did not know how to properly interact with the dog. When introducing a dog into a home with small children, it is very important to first teach your children how to properly approach and handle a dog, and also when it is best to leave them alone, such as during mealtimes or if the dogs are in heat or have new puppies. It is also very important to never leave small children unsupervised with dogs. Another factor to consider is how much excercise and interaction your dog will benefit from. Some dogs will require excercse and interaction by someone every day, which will have an impact on the family both in terms of making time for this activity, as well as determining who within the family will be responsible for this. Other dogs will be content to simply be a companion, and won't require such a dedicated committment of time from family members.
The same is true for the need the your dog might have for companionship from other dogs, as well as the interaction your dog will have with other pets in your household.
- Will your dog benefit from having another canine playmate in the house or nearby?
- What about your other pets - either other pets you have or are considering getting?
- Will your dog "play nice" with your cat?
Some dogs do well as the only pets in a family, while others will benefit from having other four-legged around.
Lifestyle
Most of us would agree that living in a small urban apartment isn't agreeable to owning a large Greyhound. However, size is just one of many factors to consider when choosing a dog. Consider the temperment and excercise requirements of the dog you choose along with the realities of where you live. Apartment living can be made to work for barking or energetic dogs, but it means that you'll need to make a sizable and consistent effort to get your dog out for excercise and socialization - likely two to four times a day. The energy level and walking or running needs of these same dogs will require lots of time and effort and are best suited for people with plenty of spare time and large backyards or access to large parks nearby.
Allergies
Before making a commitment to a dog, it's important to determine if you or anyone in your family is allergic to dogs. Even if there is an allergy problem, some "low-dander" dogs (such as Poodles, Basenjis, and American Hairless Terriers) are less prone to cause allergic reactions in people and may be good candidates for joining your household. These dogs shed lower amounts of hair and dander and are typically considered "hypoallergenic."
Cleanliness (drooling/shedding)
Some dogs are, by nature, cleaner than others. It's wise to evaluate the grooming needs of the dog you're considering along with your own home cleanliness standards. Short-haired dogs can require as much care and/or household tidying as long-haired dogs if they are a breed that sheds a lot, such as Labradors.
Drooling is also an issue, particularly for those of us who either asthetically don't want to see this reflexive behavior or don't want to be cleaning up after a drooling dog throughout the day. If that is the case, some breeds such as Newfoundlands, Bulldogs, and Mastiffs should be avoided.
