How To Choose A Dog For The Family

Posted by Gerald Njuguna on October 30th, 2007 at 04:03pm

Thinking of introducing a new dog into your family? Well, before you go out to choose a dog and bring into your home, just know that caring for dogs requires a lot of responsibility from you.

It’s a good idea to have a family discussion and decide who amongst your family members will have the major responsibility of training and taking care of the new dog.

Ensure also that you get a qualified vet preferably one near your home. Costs should also be taken into consideration since proper maintenance of dogs requires money. Other things to have around in the home include supplies such as toys, crates, bowls, beds, collars and a leash before the dog comes home.  What other factors  do you need to consider?

Another issue to think about is the different dog breeds out there so you need to know if they are compatible with your lifestyle. For example, huge or large dogs will not fit comfortably with people living in apartments or with the elderly folks. Small dogs on the other hand will not work well with people who prefer a lot of activity with their dogs.

Have you thought about the age of the dog you will be getting? Do you prefer a puppy or an older dog? Other dog breeds have health issues like eye problems or hip dysplasia. As you can see there are many factors to think about before choosing a dog.

For those who prefer purebred puppies, visiting your local kennel club can give you access to breeders in your area that specialize in certain breeds. The local kennel club can also be a good starting point for those looking for older dogs. Don’t forget your vet! He or she can greatly assist you since they probably have worked with area breeders.

Sporting breeds of dogs are suitable for those who prefer hunting with dogs. The Labrador Retriever & the Golden Retriever are the most popular sporting groups of dogs. They are good with children and easy to train.

A lot of people prefer dogs from the AKC’s working group. Some of the breeds of dogs that belong to this group include the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff the Siberian Husky and the Akita.

These types of dogs require owners that are experienced and know how to establish leadership. They have thick undercoats and shed a lot. Make sure that you get your dog from a reputable breeder since hip dysplasia affects these types of dog breeds.

Toy dogs are popular especially with celebrities who like to show them off. The sizes of the dogs can easily fool you. These seemingly cute little dogs have huge personalities!

Some of the dog breeds in this group include the Shih Tzu, Pug, Maltese and the Pomeranian.

They require training and need to be exercised. They also fit quite comfortably with apartment dwellers and families with older children.

For farmers who own livestock, I would suggest you choose your dog from the herding group. Examples of such kinds of dogs in the herding group include The Australian Shephard, the Border Collie, Shetland Sheepdog and the Australian Shepherd. A dog like the Border Collie which is quite intelligent requires that you exercise it a lot both physically and mentally.

Mixed dog breeds are also a good choice since they are such lovely companions of the family as much as purebred dogs.

Don’t be in a hurry to choose a dog. Take your sweet time and research on the different dog breeds out there. Take the time and seek the advice of pet store owners, vets, dog groomers and breeders. Consider all angles of dog care as this will ensure that have a happy time with you and your dog.

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