Choosing the right dog breed for you and your family

Choosing the right dog breed is the start of a process; you’re going to find a dog breed that is exactly right for you and your family.

The words “I want a dog” from a child or partner can be just the beginning of welcoming that canine companion into your life. Finding the right dog breed and asking the right questions will lead you to examine every aspect of your life so that you choose a dog that will fit into your life like the missing piece of a jigsaw. Make no mistake; the decision to have a dog is a decision to start a relationship that can last at least 12 years and often longer.

The first step in finding the right dog breed is to discover just why you and your loved ones want to welcome a dog into your lives. If the dog is to be a family pet, then an aggressive or territorial breed is not likely to be ideal. But if you want a dog that will make intruders think twice, then a Chihuahua is not going to do the job, however loud the bark!

Once you’ve established the role you want a future dog to fulfill, consider your lifestyle and, more importantly, how much time you’ll be able to devote to exercising and training the animal. It’s vital to be realistic about this, as with everything to do with choosing the right dog breed; anything less would be unfair to the dog. The amount of exercise a dog will require will depend on the breed, temperament, and age of the dog. It sounds obvious, but older dogs, much like older humans, will neither need nor be able to cope with the levels of exercise they required in their prime.

Choosing the right dog breed pup?

Find a dog breed to suit the whole family

Family health issues can and should dictate the terms when choosing a dog breed. However, just because a child or adult has allergy and asthma problems does not necessarily mean that they can’t have a dog. There are plenty of hypoallergenic dog breeds available.

Successfully finding the right dog breed for you can depend entirely on the size of your home. You may have found the perfect breed for your family, tolerant, gentle with children, a useful watchdog, and perfect in every way. Just one factor you overlooked… your house is small and the dog is a Saint Bernard who knocks things over every time he turns around! Think ahead. Be realistic!

The size of a breed will also provide clues as to the amount of exercise, grooming, and general care the dog will require. Larger dogs will require more food and exercise, whereas the grooming needs might be higher in smaller dogs. The costs involved in caring for a dog can be considered at the very least these will involve food, annual vet bills, and basic grooming needs. Then there are larger less predictable expenses if the dog gets injured or becomes ill, although having pet insurance can help with these costs and kennels for when you go on holiday.

So…think of your budget, your lifestyle, your children, other animals in the house, your environment…town or country, allergies…and you’ll be well on the way to choosing the right dog breed from so many different types of dogs.

Think about all of these factors properly and then your quest to find a dog breed will be successful and you can begin a relationship that will last for years to come. Enjoy your dog!