When choosing a dog breed, there are several factors to contemplate. In this guide, we list some major considerations for you when selecting your new canine companion.
There are several things to consider before choosing a dog. First thing you should consider is your lifestyle and how a dog would fit into it. Are you willing to make adjustments to that lifestyle? You should also look at the needs of your family, especially if you have kids. If you have anyone in your family who has allergies, you may way want to consider a hypoallergenic dog. Lastly, you should think about what size dog you want to get as well as where you will get him.
You have to remember that some small dogs are delicate. Being stepped on can cause serious injury. Also, little dogs can feel colder temperatures much more keenly than larger dogs, so be ready to help keep them warm during the winter months. Don’t forget that small dogs need obedience training too! Some little dogs can develop “tough dog” attitudes to compensate for their small size.
If you want a larger dog, then you will need to provide them with a large space to move around. Large dogs with long tails need what is known as "wagging space" to avoid injury to their tails as well as your belongings. Another consideration with larger dogs is expense: the larger the dog, the more expensive their supplies and vet bills are. Training is also a key factor. If you get a large breed puppy that is allowed to act like a smaller dog, then he will want to act like that when he gets older and bigger.
Another thing you have to consider when deciding on a dog is the breed’s activity level. Different breeds have different energy levels; some breeds have boundless amounts of energy while others prefer to laze around all day. Every dog needs exercise, regardless of breed or size, so make sure you can give it to them. If you know you cannot commit to more than one or two casual walks per day, then it would be best for you to get a breed that has low-energy. A Basset Hound is an example of a dog with low-energy. However, if you want a dog that will be a great jogging partner, then you may want to consider a breed with high energy.
Even though many do not consider it when deciding on a breed, how much maintenance it needs is an important thing to consider. All dogs need basic grooming, but certain types need more grooming thanks to the type of hair coat they have.
If you get a dog with fur that grows constantly, then keeping to a grooming routine is important. Most short-haired dogs shed a lot, especially during the warmer months. If you get one of these dogs, you’ll need to be prepared to do a lot more vacuuming You should also be aware that any dogs with big, floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds, get frequent ear infections.
When choosing a dog, the dog’s age should be a factor in your decision. Puppies need a lot of attention and training, especially for the first year. If you get a puppy, you will need to make sure you have enough time to dedicate to housebreaking and training him. As your puppy goes through training, the problems and misbehavior will lessen, but you need to have patience during the adjustment period. It won’t happen overnight.
Older dogs that are passed the puppy stage are a good choice if you don’t want the hassle of training from the very beginning. It is also a better choice when you want to know how active your dog will be and you will also know his temperament right away. There is no guesswork behind an older dog. However, there is still some training involved, just not as much as with a puppy. Most adult dogs have been trained in at least the basics, especially if they were owned by someone before. They usually adjust to their new home fairly well.
Although there are a lot of other minor considerations, these are some of the most important and major to think about before purchasing your pup or grown canine. The difference of these certain factors can differentiate the amount t=of time you spend with your dog and the costs included.