Selecting the Right Dog Breed - A Step By Step Guide
Did you know that there are numbers of hundred dog breeds? With that large number of breeds to choose from, how do people deal with to decide which breed is right for them? Luckily, you can narrow down the choices and spot the best dog breed by following a few simple steps.
First,examin how much exercise you can give your dog. If you have a home with a surrounded yard, your dog will be able to get some exercise on his own. However, dog breeds in the Sporting, Hound, and Herding groups are very high energy animals and you may need to have enough time to provide them with extra intensive exercise. Plan to acquire a lot of long walks with your dog or go for a daily romp in the park. After all, these dog breeds were bred to work hard and don't do well unless they have a job to do or a way to burn off excess energy.
Next, consider your available space. Do you live in an flat? If so, you will want to rule out big dogs. Look for dogs in the Toy group, such as Yorkshire Terriers, or some of the smaller dogs in the Terrier group, like the Miniature Schnauzer.
If you have children, you will want to take a look at the size of your dog, as well. Very small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Maltese, could be extremely delicate and are often accidentally hurt by young children. On the other hand, really large dogs, such as Boxers or Saint Bernards, could be excessively boisterous as puppies and could accidentally turn your child into a human bowling pin. Consider medium sized breeds, such as Fox Terriers or Lhasa Apsos, instead.
Finally, don't forget to look at grooming expects. Some dog breeds only need a half hour or so of grooming a week, while others need to be groomed for an hour a day. If you are short on time, don't buy a Standard Poodle or a Maltese, unless, of course, you plan to take your dog to a groom. Breeds like Boston Terriers or Whippets are good choices for people who don't have time to do a lot of grooming.
Once you determine which breed of dog you want, you will need to consider the age of the dog. Many people opt to buy a cuddly little puppy instead of an older dog. While puppies have not developed any bad habits, it will be up to the new owner to be sure that the puppy becomes housebroken and obedience trained. Older dogs are frequently already housebroken and usually have some obedience training. They are also more likely to be less hyper and less destructive. However, they can have behavioral problems or health problems that prompted the former owner to find them a new home.
Do you want to buy a puppy? If so, you may need to find a reputable dog breeder who has a litter of the breed you are interested in. Often, a good breeder will have a waiting list for puppies.
If you aren't the patient sort, you may be tempted to buy a puppy from a pet store. However, many pet store puppies come from puppy mills and have genetic health defects, bad temperaments, or other difficulties. It is usually safest to buy a puppy directly from the breeder. If you are interested in an older dog, you may want to visit your local animal shelter or call a breed rescue. These groups evaluate the dogs' health and temperament before adopting them out.
Once you've narrowed down the breed choices and have decided which dog is right for you, don't get too relaxed. After all, you still have one extra important decision to make, what to name your new companion!
