How to Choose A Dog

The rottweiler is a dependable, loyal friend.

Choosing the right breed of dog can be a daunting task. With hundreds of breeds and thousands of mixed breeds, not to mention sizes, physical attributes, and more, there are quite a few things to consider. In the end, it really boils down to a few simple things to keep in mind to make sure your decision is the best one for you and your family.

Instructions

1. 

   A Chihuahua is a very portable dog.

   Consider the size of canine you are looking for. Larger dogs will need a big yard with lots of room to run. If you have very small children, you may not want to choose a large dog who may accidentally hurt them while playing, and you definitely want to avoid any dog that has shown violent tendencies beyond the norm. This is often the case with playful, energetic large dogs such as Labradors. The opposite holds true with small dogs, which are far more vulnerable and easy for a child to accidentally injure. Small dogs can be quicker to bite, so watch for an easy-going temperament.

2. 

   If you want a non-shedding large dog, the Standard Poodle may be just the dog for you.

   Make a note of any physical characteristics of the dog that are going to require extra maintenance on your part. Some dogs have a tendency to drool a lot, while others are heavy shedders. Keep this in mind before you make a decision so you don't run into any messy surprises later on.

3. 

   Bassets and beagles are good with children.

   Think about how much time you will be able to dedicate to spending with the dog. Some dogs have a great deal more energy than others and will need more time for walking and playing. If you are looking at getting a puppy, remember that you will also have to take care of obedience and toilet training. Dogs are as likely as children to throw temper tantrums if they do not receive enough attention, so make sure you have plenty of time to attend to their needs before making your final choice.

4. 

   The German shepherd dog is reliable, intelligent and good-natured.

   Look for a dog that you can love and accept as a member of the family. Dogs make wonderful guardians and give home security a major boost, but a home is no place for a trained attack dog. While they may do a great job protecting your home from intruders, they could also potentially do a great job of protecting your home from you.

5. 

   The Bichon Frise' is a high-maintenance dog.

   Avoid expensive purebred dogs unless you are looking for bragging rights or are going to raise it as a show dog. Purebreds tend to have more health issues and can be very expensive. There are also a huge number of mixed breed and abandoned dogs waiting to be adopted that would make excellent pets.Check out Petfinder (Petfinder.org) for a pure-bred or mixed breed dog looking for a home near you.

6. 

   Older dogs are desperately in need of homes and are more quiet and reserved than a puppy.

   Take into account any health concerns the dog has before you adopt her. Doesshe have her vaccinations? Does she seem healthy and energetic or slow and lethargic? Also, keep in mind that older dogs are likely to have or develop health problems. They can also, however, have deep, rich personalities and do not have the same energy level of a younger dog, so they are better suited to more relaxed environments.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with breed rescue organizations by using your search engine to put in the type of dog you want and your city such as: Poodles, Newark NJ. You will find poodle rescue, or any other breed rescue, where you can adopt a dog and learn all about the breed.

• If you must have a purebred puppy, go to a reliable breeder rather than a pet store. The ones you find in stores are generally bred in terrible conditions and are not very healthy.

References

• Iams: Dog Breeds

Resources

• Purina: Dog Breed Selector
• Humane Society of the United States: Choosing the Right Dog