How to Choose a Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle

A dog can make a great addition to a responsible household.

Adding a dog to your household is a big decision. Although it is easy to get excited over how cute the dog will be or how much your kids will love him, you should research different breeds to make sure you make the best choice for both you and the dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends making note of all aspects of your lifestyle, such as activity level and the neatness of your home when you consider a breed. Examining how the dog will affect all areas of your life will help you and your dog adjust to your new life together.

Instructions

1. Consider your reasoning for wanting to add a dog to your life. It is important that you are not adopting or purchasing a dog impulsively or because it is a trendy thing to do.

2. Talk to your family and housemates to ensure that everyone is in agreement about adding a dog to the household. The Online Dog Encyclopedia website notes that one of the most common reasons for dogs being surrendered to shelters is a change in lifestyle that cannot accommodate the dog.

3. Research dogs that meet your lifestyle. If you are active and want a dog to take hiking, camping, swimming, and traveling, consider a high-energy breed that can keep up with you and enjoys being out of the house for extended periods of time. If you are gone most of the day and do not have the time to walk the dog for more than half an hour or so, consider a lower energy dog that enjoys short amounts of exercise.

4. Note the size of your home in comparison to the type of dog you are interested in. If you live in an apartment and do not have a large yard, you should not consider large breeds that need room to run and play without restriction.

5. Price out the costs of basic care your dog will require. Standard costs include food and water dishes, food, brushes and home grooming items, a collar, leash, and veterinary visits. If you choose a dog that is longhaired or requires regular grooming by a professional, consider how often you will need to groom your dog.

Tips & Warnings

• All purebred dogs have traits specific to that breed. Although these traits can be great for activities such as hunting or play and for temperament, purebred dogs may also be more susceptible to breed-related illnesses or conditions.

• Visit local animal shelters to see dogs that are in desperate need of a home. The volunteers at the shelter will know the animals well and can help you find a dog to suit your lifestyle.

• If you are set on obtaining a purebred dog, research ethical breeders in your area. Ethical breeding includes only breeding with dogs that are completely healthy and not breeding with the same female for two breeding seasons in a row. This allows the female's body time to regulate itself and remain healthy for future pups.

• Avoid purchasing a dog from a pet store where puppy mills are the primary source of pet store pets. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) suggests asking your local pet store for the paperwork for the dog you are considering. If the employee is withholding about showing you the information, or the paperwork notes the dog is from out of state, these can be warning signs of a puppy mill dog.

References

• The American Kennel Club : Be A Responsible Dog Owner
• The Online Dog Encyclopedia : Choosing a Dog
• The Humane Society of the United States

Resources

• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Dog Care