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How to Select a Dog Breed
So many choices . . . but which one's best for me? The choice of a breed is not always as easy at it seems when you decide to get a dog.
All dogs have a JOB; it is in their genes. And unlike humans, dogs cannot change jobs. If a puppy is a pure bred, that means that all the puppies and dogs of that breed have the same job. If a puppy is a mixed breed, it may have more than one job to do.
Be sure you understand both the job and the characteristics your puppy was born with before you take it home ie. does it fit your requirements. Such understanding will help you and the pup.
Different breeds require different types and amounts of care, training, food, and exercise. They have different "personalities". Some are laid-back and gentle, some are dominant; some are noisy; some escape through open doors to satisfy their need to run. Others are the busy type and can be destructive if not given enough to do. Some are good watchdogs and others are over-friendly.
- To increase the chances of a good choice, you should first establish a budget of time, money, and your as well as the dog’s requirements; and then research the breeds that are most likely to fit your personal situation.
- Think deeply what type of dog you want and what you expect the dog to give to you.
Whatever the original cost of the animal, money will be continuously spent on maintenance. Big dogs generally cost more to feed, medicate, and sterilize; and their bowls, collars, and leashes are more expensive. Dogs with dominant personalities generally need more training sessions. They also need home grooming, which requires buying specific types of combs and brushes and can take considerable time if the dog has a long coat or a soft coat that tangles easily.
Try to answer the following questions before you narrow down on a particular breed:-
- What sort of residence/ area do you live in? - some dogs need lot of space to keep them happy.
- Do elderly or disabled people stay with you? - that may require to choose a dog that is not too rowdy.
- Do you have young children in the house? - what dogs do well with children? You have to be careful, as all dogs are capable of biting.
- What size of dog you prefer? - does it match the size of your house, your time for its exercise, your financial ability.
- For what purpose you want a dog? - security reasons, for children, sporting types.
- How much can you spend monthly on the food, maintenance of the dog?
- How much grooming would you require to give your dog every week? - do you have the time to shell out, or are you able to arrange for some other alternative.
- Consider your household - are you a first timer with a dog, do you another dog at home (compatibility between the two breeds),
Consider your needs as well as the dog’s before you bring one home.