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Step 1
What is your lifestyle like and does it coincide with the breed you’re considering? Some breeds are more self-sufficient than others. Some dogs require greater attention and exercise. Think about the amount of time you are able to spend with a dog and whether or not your desired breed fits that lifestyle.
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Step 2
Do you have children? While training matters, there are some dog breeds that are gentler with babies and children. Research the breed you’re interested in. If you’re adopting from a shelter, inquire about whether or not the dog has had an unpleasant history with young ones.
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Step 3
Do you already have a dog and you’re thinking of adding another one? It is advisable to get a dog that is the opposite gender of the one you already have. Also, inquire about breed compatibility.
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Step 4
What kind of temperament are you looking for in a dog? Do you want one to go hiking with? A lap dog that will watch television with you? A dog loaded with energy or a pooch that sleeps a lot? Some dogs carry certain well-deserved stereotypes with them. Bulldogs can be difficult to train. Cocker Spaniels are known to urinate easily when excited.
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Step 5
Consider the conditions that certain dogs are predisposed to. For example, if you get a large breed dog, it may be more prone to hip dysplasia. A short-snouted dog, such as a Pug or Boxer, may experience respiration issues.
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Step 6
As a general rule, pure bred dogs are more prone to illness and inherent medical conditions. Mixed breeds experience them less and may have a longer life span. Consider your financial situation and whether you are prepared to take care of the dog you choose.
Comments
Dogtrainer said
on 3/11/2008 (and continued yet again from previous comment. They should tell you the word limit before you even type) suffered (mentally or physically) previous to its placement. Next time you want to make a statement as bold as the one in step 6 make sure you present ALL angles of the argument instead of just the pro mixed breed point of view. Its people that breed these new designer dogs that are contributing more to the shelter population than any pure bred breeder because those reputable breeders WILL TAKE BACK any dog they breed regardless of age, disability or issue.
Dogtrainer said
on 3/11/2008 (continued again from previous comment) Is a mixed breed at a lesser risk of bloating than a purebred... NO! Because ANY dog over 50 pounds had the propensity to bloat regardless of breed purity.
Your last line on step 6 "be prepared to financially take care of ANY dog you choose". You may pay more upfront for a purebred dog from a reputable breeder but that also comes with guarantees for health and temperament that your average mixed breed accident or planned designer dog simply does not have. IF the mix is a shelter dog you can almost be assured to spend that money dealing with what ever baggage comes with that mixed dog with behavior modification training and basic training to help them acclimate to a life in a family environment and even with that training there is still no guarantee that the dog you get from a shelter or a mix will ever be "over" whatever traumas it had suffere
Dogtrainer said
on 3/11/2008 (continued from previous comment) Purebred dogs and mixed breed dogs that have similar breeds will live a comparable lifespan. To say that a dog will "live longer" simply because it is a mixed breed is a falsity that needs to be dispelled. Also a point that you neglected to mention is that mixed breed dogs tend to act more like the dog they most resemble. For example... a shepherd/collie cross that looks more shepherd will act more shepherd and less collie. Another good point to state is that with mixed breeds, a lot of the time the mix is a educated guess, therefore you have no idea what genetic traits for disease may crop up. Does that shepherd cross have a lesser chance of developing Von Willebrand’s disease over the pure bred shepherd? NO! Because the responsible breeder of the pure shepherd tests her dogs and does not breed those with those genetic propensities. Is a mixed bre
Dogtrainer said
on 3/11/2008 Working in the field of Animal Behavior for the last 16 years has taught me some valuable lessons. First off I have to TOTALLY disagree with the point in step 6. Purebred dogs are NOT at a higher risk for genetic defect since the responsible breeder does genetic screening to rule out the propensity for those genetic traits that cause lifelong limiting illness. A purebred dog is just as susceptible to contracting an "illness" as ANY mixed breed. A mixed breed does not possess a "super immunity" and can contract illnesses such as mange and Parvo just as easily as a purebred dog. As far as the lifespan point... A purebred dog from a reputable breeder is totally capable living just as long as a mixed breed of equal size and weight. The bonus to going with the purebred dog is that the responsible breeder knows her lines and can tell you the longevity that her lines carry. Purebred dogs