How to choose the perfect breed of dog for you

So you've decided to add a furbaby to your life. That's terrific! The only question now is, what breed is best for you? Before you decide to bring an Irish Wolfhound home to your one bedroom apartment, take the time to really decided what breed is best suited for your lifestyle.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Resource material (the internet, a library, research books, etc...)

1. Take a look around you. What type of home do you live in? Do you have a yard? If not, how far away are the nearest parks? Are they even dog-friendly?! More goes into picking out a puppy than just selecting the cutest one. They are living creatures and they love you unconditionally. Take the time to make sure that their life with you will be a happy one.

2. Decide on the size of dog you would prefer. Big dogs are great! However, they do require an owner that is both mentally and physically strong. Keep in mind that larger breeds tend to grow very quickly, so that tiny puppy that you brought home from the breeder won't stay tiny for very long at all. Small dogs are excellent also! They don't usually get much bigger than what they are when they are a few months old. They do have their draw backs though. Small dogs tend to suffer from "Little Man Syndrome". They feel the need to prove themselves in order to make up for their small stature.

3. Do your research!!! Talk to other dog owners. Read books about the breeds you are interested in. These books are not typically lengthy and they really help enlighten you. Look at different websites like www.puppydogweb.com and www.dogbreedinfo.com. The American Kennel Club website, along with the Continnental Kennel Club's website are very informative.

4. Be reasonable. Even though you have your heart set on a bloodhound, you may have to settle for a basset hound. Same face, smaller body. If you aren't able to get the dog you really want at this time, look for a breed that has many of the characteristics that you are interested in.

5. If you can't decide on a specific breed, why not give the Great American Mutt a try! Check out your local shelters, want ads for free puppies, and www.petfinder.org

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to puppy/dog proof your home before your furbaby moves in. Remove all exposed wires, cables, and cords to all electronics and appliances. They're dogs, they chew...get the picture?
• I know this is gross, but if you find that your puppy has a penchant for eating poo, try changing his dog food. Some store brands (which shall remain nameless) don't really stay in puppy's system very long. Basically what comes out is the same as what went in. If changing the food doesn't help, contact your vet. He came give you something to sprinkle on the poo that is supposed to make it taste bad. (I know what you're thinking, doesn't it taste bad to begin with)
• By beginning obedience training at the beginning of your relationship you greatly reduce the risk of having a problem pooch.
• Keep in mind breeds are BREEDS for a reason. Hunting dogs are bred to hunt. They want to please their owner, and they need tons of exercise and stimulation. Hounds were bred to track, either by sight or smell. Once they get on the trail of something, there's very little chance of slowing them down. Guard dogs were bred to, you guessed it, guard. If you have friends or family that like to show up the wee hours of the morning, this may not be the breed for you. They were all bred for a purpose. Keep that purpose in mind when choosing your pet.

[GreenMomma]

on 9/21/2008 i love your dog poop/food tip! 5* all the way!

[mark44]

on 9/19/2008 this a really good and truthful article. i am an avid dog lover, and have a st bernard (wich bye the way is bred to be lazy) and your warning is very true

[alexxandrahh]

on 9/15/2008 This article is amazing! I'm a dog lover, I have a lab and a chihuahua and I think that this article has so much information to offer. Your warning is so true!