Which Dog Breed Will You Choose?

You have decided that it is time to get a Dog. But there are many Dog breeds to choose from and like us humans have their good and not so good points. You need to look at your lifestyle to determine the best fit for your situation. After all, you want it to be a pleasant experience for you, any family you have and the Dog.

You should consider the following:

1. Will the Dog be purebred or a mixed breed animal?
You could consider going to the animal shelter to check out some mixed breed dogs. This would save a dog from being euthanised and you lots of money, especially for a pure bred. dog.

2. The size of your home.
You need to think about the space available inside and outside your home for the new dog. The space available will determine the size of dog you should have. If you have a big space you could consider a Labrador, Mastiff or a Saint Bernard.

3. How much energy do you and family have to spend with the dog?
Is the dog going to be a jogging or walking partner? Choose something like a smaller Jack Russell Terrier or a larger labrador which are upbeat, energetic breeds. If you like to go to the river or lake to fish or swim for the day then you could consider dogs like the labradors or spaniel breeds which come in a variety of colours and sizes and would enjoy the water to join in your fun. But you do not want them to become bored, as they could become destructive. Are you social? If you like to go out a lot then you may have to consider a dog which does not mind being left alone at times. You need to remember that dogs need interaction and if you have little time you may need to consider another pet.

4. Family Makeup:
Do you have young children? Choose a sturdy, well mannered, easily trained and less likely to bite kind of dog like the pug, puggle, golden retriever and cocker spaniel. You probably would not like dainty, yappy dogs that tend to bite; or higher maintenance dogs like the poodle, Pomeranian and Shiz Tu as they require a lot of grooming and need to clipping frequently. If you have a new born child then it might not be a good time to consider getting a puppy as you will be busy enough without having to worry about training a puppy. You need to train puppies properly so they don't end up poorly behaved.

5. General Temperament of the Breed and Individual Needs:
There are various features to look out for. This can include the following:
Grooming: Some dogs require minimal grooming while other dogs require a lot eg Afghans, Poodles
Shedders: Some dogs shed more than others but can be minimized with frequent brushing. Some dogs even let you run the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner over them.
Energetic Dogs: Need energetic families.
Laid Back Dogs: Need laid back owners.
Cuddly Dog: Choose a good natured dog like a Scotty

What you need to do is find out all the information you can on any breed you are interested in and see if they fit into your lifestyle. It is a long term commitment after all, so you need to make the right decision. But remember that there can be variations within the same breed. Do not get stuck up on the accepted stereotype of the breed. When you have picked your doggy pet make sure you and all the family members interact with it to make sure that everyone is completely happy. You do not have to purchase if it does not work.

Now that you have an idea of what to consider when deciding upon your lifelong doggy friend, which dog breed will you choose?

If you are serious about owning a puppy or a dog then once you have chosen your four legged friend then you will need to feed it. Take a Look Here for information.

If you are thinking a dog would be a great pet to own but are open to other pet options, then take a Look Here