How to Pick a Breed of Dog

Are you thinking about getting a purebred dog, but don't know what breed is best for you? It's a problem President-Elect Barack Obama may be experiencing, since he promised the family a new dog after the election. And it's a quite common dilemma that future dog owners encounter. Many pet owners make the mistake of selecting a dog breed based on looks or reputation. Instead, pick a dog breed for the right reasons - because it's a dog breed that will work with your lifestyle. Read on to learn how to pick the right dog breed for you!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Computer with Internet Access
• A Notebook
• A Book of the Different Dog Breeds
• Books on the Top Pick Dog Breeds
• The Desire for a New Dog!

1. START YOUR SEARCH FOR A DOG WITH AN OPEN MIND: Don't go into your search for a dog breed with biases. Don't rule out a dog breed until you learn a bit more about the breed characteristics and traits. You may very well overlook the perfect best friend!

2. LEARN ABOUT THE GROUPS OF DOG BREEDS: In North America, dog breeds fit into one of eight groups established by the American Kennel Club (AKC) : Toy, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Terrier, Hound, Herding and Miscellaneous. Each group of dog breeds shares common characteristics and traits. This will help dog owners to focus their search. For instance, if you want a large dog, you'll want to rule out the breeds of the Toy Group. If you want a dog with an active mind, active body and a drive to accomplish tasks, you'll want to look at a dog in the Working Group.

3. LOOK AT DOG BREEDS BY SIZE: Once you've ruled out a few of the dog breed groups, begin looking at the breeds within each group. Print out a list of dog breeds for each breed group that appeals to you, available on many websites, including the AKC website. Read the descriptions for each breed in your favored breed groups and cross dogs off the list if they do not fulfill your size preference. Remember, size is important to consider for housing (some apartments and condominiums have size restrictions for dogs), for lifespan (larger dogs have shorter life spans), and for care requirements because larger dogs will be harder to physically control and care for, particularly if you're elderly or have a physical limitation. If a dog doesn't fit your size requirement, cross that breed off the list.

4. LOOK AT BREED PERSONALITY AND BREED TEMPERAMENT: What are you looking for in a dog? A cuddling companion? A jogging partner? An independent companion? Each dog breed is different in terms of temperament and personality. For instance, if you want a cuddly dog who will make you feel like you're the center of the universe, opt for a Miniature Pinscher instead of a Siberian Husky. If you're looking for an athletic dog who will enjoy jogging, opt for the Pit Bull instead of the Pug. Cross off any dogs who don't fit the bill when it comes to what you're looking for in a dog.

5. LOOK AT CARE REQUIREMENTS: A long-haired dog will require daily brushing and frequent trips to the groomer. A short-haired dog may require just an occasional brushing. Some dogs like Pugs have facial wrinkles that need regular cleanings. Dogs with floppy ears will need regular ear cleaning. Consider these factors of routine care when considering the remaining dog breeds on your list.

6. LOOK AT OTHER FACTORS: There are other factors that can affect a dog lover's decision when trying to decide on a dog breed. Some insurance companies will not insure your home if you own certain breeds of dogs. Communities often have dog breed restrictions. Condominium and apartment complexes will have dog size requirements. Some dog breeds are kinder to people who tend to have allergies to dogs and cats. And other dog breeds are extremely expensive and rare, while others are less expensive and easier to find. Consider these factors when considering a dog breed.

7. RESEARCH YOUR SHORT LIST: At this point in the game, you should have narrowed down your list by quite a bit, creating a short list. Once you have about a dozen dog breeds on your short list, conduct some in-depth research into each breed. Visit websites dedicated to the breed, check out online forums to get feedback and opinions from dog owners who have a particular dog breed. Contact a breeder to discuss the breed and whether your lifestyle will be fitting for that particular dog. Get a book on a few of the breeds. Do your homework.

8. VISIT SOME DOGS: Once you've narrowed it down to two or three potential dog breeds, get out and meet some dogs. Reading and discussing a dog breed will only get you so far. There are aspects of a dog breed that must be experienced. Meeting dogs will help you sort out your preferences. Just be sure to keep an open mind.

9. FIND A DOG: Breeders are one of the only appropriate sources of a purebred puppy. Ethical breeders will breed for good health, good temperament and breed confirmation. You will NEVER find an ethical, quality breeder who would give a dog to a pet shop. Pet shops get their dogs from amateur "backyard breeders" and puppy mills. Another great place to find a dog is at the animal shelter or rescue organization - many of the dogs at shelters and rescues are purebred. And you may also want to consider a mixed breed with one or two of your top breed picks. There are even breed-specific rescue groups that work to rescue and re-home a particular breed of dog. Great dogs can also be found on online pet adoption websites like PetFinder.org.

10. ENJOY LIFE WITH YOUR NEW FRIEND! When you adopt a dog, you will need to establish a strict feeding and bathroom schedule. This will make training much easier. Be sure to bring your new dog to the veterinarian for a basic exam, vaccinations and a microchip, preferably within the first week of ownership. Also consider purchasing pet insurance to help cover the costs of emergency surgeries, routine care and other pet health care costs. Don't forget to license your dog with the city or town in which you live! If you've never owned a dog before, a trip to the dog trainer is also a must!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't go by looks alone! Looks aren't everything. A beautiful dog may have a personality, temperament or exercise requirements that are all wrong for your lifestyle and desires as a pet owner. Getting a dog for looks will only lead to problems and heartbreak when you have to put your dog up for adoption because things simply aren't working out.
• Give careful thought to whether you will adopt a puppy or an adult dog. There are vast differences between the experience of adopting a puppy versus an adult dog. See the link below to learn more about the pro's and con's of adult dog adoption and puppy adoption.

Resources

• More Tips to Pick a Breed of Dog
• Tips for Naming a New Dog or Puppy
• New Dog Shopping List: Basics Items
• New Dog Shopping List: Pet Accessories
• Benefits of a Pet Insurance Policy
• Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog
• Adopting an Adult Dog vs. a Puppy
• How to Find a Good Veterinarian

[Velvett23]

on 12/23/2008 Great article thank you for the information!