Choosing The Right Dog For You

Right Dog

When searching for a dog, there’s more to consider than appearance. You need to find a dog with the right temperament and traits to fit your lifestyle. Here are just a few questions that can be worth asking yourself when looking for a dog.   

How much free time do you have?

Any dog requires a certain amount of free time. If you work long hours, it may not be fair to leave your dog at home unless another family member or dog-sitter can look after them.

That said, certain dogs may be less demanding when it comes to your time. Puppies easily get separation anxiety and need a lot of attention in order to train them, while older dogs may not need this. Certain dogs also may require longer walks, which leads to the next point…

Do you live an active lifestyle?

Some dog breeds require a lot of exercises. These include Labradors, German shepherds, collies, huskies and beagles. Make sure you research this, as you may have misconceptions about some dogs. For example, if you’ve watched The Beverly Hillbillies, you may assume that bloodhounds are lazy, but this could not be further from the truth. Raising a bloodhound is going to require you to go on long daily walks or runs, so you need to consider this when choosing the right dog for you. Other breeds, on the other hand, may not need much exercise at all including bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and spaniels. Age also makes a difference – an older dog won’t want to be as active as a younger dog. Consider how active you’re prepared to be so that you can find the right dog for your lifestyle.

Do you have other pets/kids?

Most puppies, regardless of breed, can be raised and trained to live comfortably around children and other pets. You need to be more wary of dogs that have had previous owners. A rescued greyhound, for instance, is not recommended if you have cats or other animals. Some breeds like bullmastiffs, Akitas and chihuahuas can also behave erratically around young kids if not raised around them.

What’s your budget?

Dogs can be expensive – but some types of dogs can be more expensive than others. Certain breeds can require more grooming and may eat more food. There may also be a greater risk of certain health problems, which could mean costly vet bills/pet insurance. This guide at gobankingrates.com delves into some of the cheapest breeds.

Of course, mixed-breed dogs can also be worth considering and can be cheaper when it comes to vet bills as they don’t have the inherited conditions that many breeds dogs. Which leads to the next question…

Does breed matter?

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Some people like to own a specific breed. Researching that breed beforehand is important – there are sites dedicated to the care of specific breeds such as shihtzucenter.com. This can help you to get a clear idea of everything from the best types of foods to buy to the common health problems to look out for.

If you choose a mixed breed dog, you won’t be able to do this research and may have to rely more on the information of temperament and lifestyle provided by the owner. Mixed breeds tend to be less sought after but are very common and are just as in need of a loving home.

Could you get a rescue dog?

There are many dogs living in rescue shelters in need of a new home. Not all of these dogs have behavioral issues and many have simply been neglected by previous owners. They can make very loving companions and there could be a great sense of wellbeing knowing that you’ve rescued one of these animals. Of course, if you’re looking to raise a dog from puppyhood, a rescue dog may not be suitable as many tend to be older dogs.

 

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