Choosing a Dog Breed That is Right For You

Whenever people set out to choose a new dog, the appearance of the dog breed can be the most important factor in their selection. This is the absolute wrong way to choose a new dog. This is one of the reasons so many dogs end up in shelters. People fail to match the breed with their own activity level or temperament. When preparing to bring a new puppy into your household, do not do like so many other people. Make it your goal to choose a puppy that is as perfect for you and your family as you possibly can. Think about previous dogs you have owned and the experiences you had with him or her. How much time was required to groom, train or exercise your dog. Did the breed have any special health issues that caused an unusual financial outlay to occur? Did the dog require a large, fenced yard and can that be provided for your new puppy?

When choosing your new companion, consider the type relationship you want with your dog. Certain breeds are more dependent than others and love to spend every minute around their owners. These dog breeds can be affectionate and loving but require lots of attention. Other breeds are more aloof and tend to make better watch dogs and will likely spend much of their time in the yard. Consider the amount of time you can spend exercising with the dog. Larger dogs require longer, higher intensity walks than smaller breed dogs. If you do not like to exercise, than a large dog is truly not for you.

Think about things such as grooming, training, and the amount of room that you have. Long haired dogs tend to shed more and require lots of brushing. If you live in an area where your weather is extremely hot and humid during the summer, will the dog require a haircut to help him stay cooler during this period. Will your choice of dog breed require professional grooming periodically or is brushing adequate to keep him looking good. As far as training, certain dog breeds just require less training than others and may be a better choice for an inexperienced dog owner. Other breeds will require professional dog obedience training to assure they do not become unruly and a menace to the neighborhood. Also, consider your living situation. If you live in a tiny apartment on the upper floors of a high rise building, you might want to pass on that cute little Great Dane puppy and consider a teacup poodle.

Whichever dog breed you are considering, take the time to research the characteristics and expected temperament of the dogs you are considering. Speak with family and friends and ask if they have had any experience with the dogs you are considering. Consider visiting a local dog trainer and ask them what dog breeds they feel are easiest to train and make the best pets. Remember that all puppies are cute, but they also all grow up to be dogs. Most of all, look at yourself and your situation and make sure when you bring home that cute little puppy that you are ready to make a commitment to the care and feeding of your new dog for its entire lifetime. With the proper research and commitment, you are sure to find the breed of dog that provide many years of loyal companionship, fun and happiness for you and the rest of your family.

Choosing the Right Dog Breed - It's About Matching Two Lifestyles

When you are in the market for a dog, there are more considerations that must be taken than temperament. Choosing the right dog breed is important for many reasons, because it can give you an idea of what size pet you will be able to deal with, what type of temperament you are looking at, eating habits, and your ability to train them. Different dog breeds have different personality types and characteristics and although it is not fair to pick and choose based on these generalizations, deciding on the dog breed that you do want can certainly help to narrow down your selection a great deal.

If You Have Kids...

If you have small kids in the home, you may not want to go with any breed of dog that is going to grow up and be a miniature giant. Dogs are only puppies for a short time, and that is not the case with kids. Although they may be babies together for a while, dogs grow fast and will soon be able to overpower your little one, not to say that they will. Some of the gentlest dogs in the world are bigger than most people, but if you can't handle the size you just can't handle the size.

If You Need Protection...

If you are one of those people who live alone and are looking to get a dog for protection, it is important to go about choosing the right dog breed well. Some dogs are naturally more territorial and protective than other dogs are, and that can help you to narrow your selection. If you need security, a poodle or a golden retriever are not going to do well at all. Consider a Pit Bull, a Great Dane, a German Shepherd, or another larger dog breed. While these breeds are really only rumored to be ferocious, they are visually intimidating to many people and that is more than most people have as far as canine security is concerned.

If You Need Companionship...

If companionship is all you seek when choosing the right dog breed for you, the decision is a bit harder. This is because there are so many great breeds for you to choose from, so decide what type of sized pet you would like and work with that. That can help you to narrow down your selection so that you can start meeting little guys to join your family. Poodles, terriers, big dogs, little dogs, medium sized dogs-if you don't have any specific need for a pet other than companionship you have a bigger market for pets than you might have thought possible. Really, the only thing holding you back is your budget.

There are so many ways to go about choosing the right dog breed for your family. What you may find works best is this process of elimination. There are so many great dogs out there that need homes, so choosing the right dog breed that best clicks with your living arrangements should be the most important decision you make.

How To Choose the Right Dog Breed For You

Which breed of dog suits you?

Having decided that you are prepared to look after a canine for all of its life, your next question should be which breed of dog to choose. This is not simply a question of picking a breed of dog that appeals to you because of its appearance.

Many dog owners do not do enough research about the breeds before choosing a dog. Not every breed is suitable for everyone. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from, as well as crossbreeds and mongrels, and the decision as to what puppy or canine to choose is a very important one.

Here are some of the factors to consider when you want to start owning and caring for a dog.

- Age

While most future pet owners prefer to have a puppy, there are some who wishes to have an adolescent or full dog. The reason being is that there are no need to potty train, crate train and other basics trainings.

- Size

Size is a big factor. It really depends on you living environment. If you are staying in an apartment, a small dog is appropriate or if you are in a place with space to run for a dog, you can have a big one.

- Activity Level

Aggressive or not? That really depends on the activity level of the dog.

- Physical Grooming and Maintenance

Owning a dog comes with tons of responsibilities. Physical grooming is needed.

Read books about dog breeds. Ask other dog owners for advice. Visit dog shows and view the different breeds there. Here you can meet dogs of more or less every Kennel Club recognized breed. There are also various dog magazines and newspapers that have excellent articles on individuals breed and their care.

Mixed Dog Breeds versus Purebreds: Which is Right for You?

You hear a lot about the merits of getting a purebred dog-and I have one myself-but have you considered a mixed breed dog? There are advantages to both, and a few cautions to keep in mind, as you decide what type of dog to get.

Mixed breed dogs, lovingly known as "mutts," are just as affectionate and loyal as purebred dogs. The main differences are predictability and cost. When you buy a purebred dog, you know what you are getting in terms of size, looks, temperament, and potential health concerns. For example, if you buy a German Shepherd puppy, you know it will grow to be about 65-100 pounds, have a thick, medium-length coat, that it will shed a lot, and that it will probably not be good around strangers. You would know this because that's the breed's profile. When looking for a purebred dog it is critical that you research breeders carefully and meet your puppy's parents so you know that they conform to the breed's profile, including temperament.

When you get a mixed breed, you may not know exactly how big he is going to get or his personality and temperament. Even if you've been told your puppy is part Springer Spaniel and part Australian Shepherd, chances are the parent dogs were not purebred either and have other breeds in their mix. Therefore you can't count on your puppy growing up to look and behave like its parents. Further, non-purebred mixed breeds dogs tend to have a more middle-of-the-road temperament than purebreds because they are not genetically programmed to be a certain way. For example, the profile of a Chihuahua says the breed is highly companionable but temperamental and tends to be a one-person dog. The profile of a Jack Russell indicates the breed is high spirited, stubborn and needs firm training.

Getting a mixed breed often means a big cost savings, because purebreds tend to expensive to purchase (unless you get a purebred rescue dog). When you buy a purebred dog, such as a Border Collie, you would likely buy it from a reputable breeder who needs to cover his costs for breeding, kenneling, feeding, medical expenses, etc. Some breeds are more expensive than others and a purebred puppy can cost over $1000. Mixed breeds are often found through the newspaper classified ads, often for free, and at shelters. At shelters, you usually pay an adoption fee to cover the cost of housing the dog and spaying or neutering the pet. Usually these are nominal fees, very likely under $100. The added benefit is that by getting dog from a shelter you may well be saving its life.

Purebred dogs are often prone to medical conditions such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and skin conditions. This is because of a limited gene pool. To keep the breed pure, the same set of genes is reproduced over and over for years, and this can result in health problems. Genetic defects and health problems can literally get bred into dogs. When you get a mixed breed (non-purebred), you may not have to worry so much about potential health issues because a mixed breed, being a combination of several breeds, may not be predisposed to certain conditions that are "bred" into purebreds. Mixed breed dogs may be more healthy and vigorous because they have a genetic diversity.

No matter what type of dog you choose, mixed breed or pure, he will need plenty of love, training, and exercise, the key components of a happy, well-adjusted, well-behaved dog.

Making the Right Choice When it Comes to Dog Breeds

Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time now, their personalities still differ from one breed to the other. Chihuahuas are cute, but did you know that they are not suitable for families with small children, because of their territorial and impatient nature?

So how do you go about choosing the right dog breed for you?

You must sit down and carefully consider what your lifestyle is like, and how much time, money and space you can dedicate to your new companion. How you live and who you are as a person, will dictate what type of dog will suit your lifestyle, your own personality, and your accommodation. DON'T make the mistake many new dog owners make and just pick a puppy 'cause it's real cute... you are likely to clash later...

Here's a simple checklist of the most important considerations when choosing the right dog breed for you.

Your Living Arrangements

Do you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a house? If it's the former, go with a small-sized pup like a Pomeranian or Toy Poodle. If your area is large enough for a medium or large dog, you can choose breeds among German Shepherd, Golden Retriever or even a Great Dane.

Your Family Arrangements

Do you have children or do you live alone? Some dogs work well with children like Golden Retrievers or Siberian Huskys. On the other hand, some dogs are aloof especially with children like a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire Terrier. You also have to take into account any pre-existing pets in your household. If you have cats or bunnies you need to make sure the new puppy you bring in is tolerating.

Activity Levels

If you're the type who loves outdoorsy stuff like running or hiking, the best breed for you might be American Foxhound, English Setter or even a Standard Poodle. But if you're the type who loves to stay at home and rest, these breeds might be suitable for your lifestyle: Chihuahua, Basset Hound or Pekingese.

Match the breed to your existing activity levels - be truthful with yourself. If you spend your nights in front of the TV, but you'd love to start walking in the evenings, don't get an overly active dog in the hope that it will motivate you... These type of plans usually fail, and then you're left with a dog that's unhappy and destructive because it is bored and locked up most of the day - be realistic.

Grooming and Food Expenses

It's kind of logical that large dogs consume large amounts of food and small dogs consume less. But you'd be surprised at just how much a Grate Dane needs to eat in a day. So when considering a dog breed, and you're unsure of their food requirements, give your vet a call and ask him to advise you.

Another cost to consider when getting a pooch is how much grooming will he need. With some of the shorter coat dogs, you can do the grooming yourself. But dog breeds like Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and the Yorkshire Terrier needs daily grooming - and at least monthly taking to the doggy parlor. So take into account the time and money you're willing to spend on caring for your dog.

Trainability

Different dog breeds take different amounts of time to obedience train, so consider if you feel you'd want to train your puppy, or if you don't really mind a whole lot.

Vet Bills

OK, taking a dog into your care is a big responsibility. You have to love it, feed it, groom it, but you also have to make sure its health care is also looked after. In that respect, cats are much easier to take care of.

Vet bills are a big chunk of what you will spend on your pooch over your joint existence, so you need to carefully consider if it is something you can afford month after month, and year after year. There's nothing more heart-wrenching than having to let go of your beloved pet 5 years into your relationship, because you're having to choose between vet bills and feeding your children.

Sounds extreme, but it is a serious point. Make sure you find out how much it will cost for vet visits, vaccinations, treats, and toys. Then consider taking pet insurance just in case something goes wrong and you need cash for treatment.

In conclusion - take your time to choose a suitable canine mate. Consider that your dog is likely to be a part of your life for the next 15 or even 20 years. That is pretty permanent - so don't leave it to chance. Make sure your personality and lifestyle suites the dog breed you choose and you're more likely to have a hassle-free loving and lasting relationship with your dog.

Matching Your Personality to the Right Dog Breed

Every person has a different and unique personality which that there is no single dog breed that will be a perfect fit for everybody. Of course, you would always want one that will be able to jive with your activities and moods and not one that will annoy you and become a burden.

Here are some basics when choosing the right breed to go with your personality and activities:

Breeds for the couch potato: The English Toy Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Shih-Tzu, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Mastiff, Sussex Spaniel, or Bulldog.

Basically, these are dogs that do not have a lot of energy to expend throughout the day. Exercise is not their kind of thing and they do not mind lounging around in the house or sitting beside you while you enjoy your favorite movie. They are the perfect companions when all you want to do is chill and relax.

Breeds for the sporty personality: Golden, Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle and Papillon, or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

These particular dogs are balls of energy and will playfully engage in intense activities such as jogging, playing catch and other things. If you want a less intimidating playmate though, the poodles can be a great alternative as they will always be ready for some fun under the sun and little game.

Breeds for those with children: Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bulldog, Collie, Basset Hound, Standard Poodle, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Scottish Deerhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Bouviers des Flandres.

These breeds are perfect for families with overly playful but unaware children. They are gentle enough to keep your children away from harm but large enough not to be trampled on or abused. Also, they are relatively playful breeds which make them good playmates especially for families with just one kid.

Breeds for security: Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Boxer, Mastiff, Belgian Malinois, Canaan Dog, and Standard Schnauzer.

Obviously, these are the intimidating and large kinds of dogs and they are perfect for scaring away mischievous people. They are alert and have particularly strong senses which give them the perfect tools for catching those sneaky criminals.

Breeds that can be used as training partners: Golden and Labrador Retrievers, English Setter, Brittany, Weimaraner, Vizsla, Flat-Coated Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Basenji, Akita, Dalmatian, Norwegian Elkhound, Kerry Blue Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, and Irish Setter.

Again, these are all high energy breeds that will accompany you on strenuous or light training sessions.

Breeds for the beach: Labrador Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Otterhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog, American Water Spaniel, and Newfoundland.

Dog breed such as the ones mentioned above are natural born swimmers so you will have no problems taking them to water bound areas. They are not afraid to get wet and will even play in the water with you.

How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for You

Choosing the right dog breed for you, your family and lifestyle is the most important decision you can make before bringing the dog home. Get this choice wrong and you end up with one of two results. Either you end up saddled with a dog that is wrong for you and your family, a dog that is basically unwanted and unloved. A dog that is a chore to look after. Or you end up taking the dog to a shelter for re-adoption or worse yet abandoning it. Neither option is good for the dog.

You also need to be aware that the cute little puppy you bought home will not stay a puppy for long. Before too long he or she will be a part of the family that you will have to care for over the next ten years or longer.

To make this new addition a valued and loved part of the family requires a lot of hard work over the first few months, especially in house training. So you have to be certain that you really want a dog before taking on the commitment.

With over 200 breeds of dog in the world how do you decide which is the right breed for you?

There are a few basic questions you have to ask yourself to narrow the choice down.

How much space do you have in your home? Obviously a large dog in a small apartment is a mismatch, a recipe for disaster. Toy dogs, such as terriers are a better choice for this situation.

Do you have children and how old are they? A large dog puppy such as a Great Dane or Saint Bernard could easily bowl a small child over. On the other hand, toy dogs can be very fragile and easily injured by a small child playing with it. To be on the safe side you have to give priority to what's right for your children.

Exercise is another important point. The exercise needs of dogs are proportional to their size. Large dogs need lots of room to exercise and work off their excess energy. They either need a large yard to run about in or to be taken on long walks, often twice a day.

Small dogs on the other hand need far less exercise. This makes them a better choice for an apartment or for someone who wants a dog they can cuddle and give lots of affection.

Grooming is another question to look at. Long haired dogs obviously shed more hair than short haired dogs and so need a lot more grooming, anything up to an hour or so a day. Make sure you have the time to do this before choosing a long haired dog.

Asking yourself these questions will help to boil down the choice of the right dog breed for you to a short list. After that it's really down to your particular preference. Try to visualise what you see as your perfect dog and find the best fit in your short list.

Once you've sorted out the breed then it's time to decide whether you want a puppy or an older dog. Try to find a reputable breeder for puppies. For older dogs consider finding a Dog Rescue center for the breed.

There are pros and cons for either option. With a puppy you never totally know just what its temperament is going to be until it grows up. A puppy is a blank slate and it's up to you to mould it into the dog you want.

An older dog from a shelter or Dog Rescue has already formed its character so you get a better idea of how well it will fit in with your family. It has probably also had the rudiments of being house trained and basic command training. But these dogs may have also suffered from abuse or neglect from their previous owners so may come with a mental or physical baggage of neurosis or ailments. These will need to be treated over time.

So now you have chosen the right dog the hard work begins - making that dog a part of your family!

The Right Dog Breed For Home

If you have been thinking about getting a dog, one of the first things you might want to think about is what type of canine you would like to own. Knowing a little bit about dog breeds is important when choosing a pup to understand their temperament, habits, coat shedding, among other things that may be valuable to you when making your decision. Some dogs are pure breed and there are also mixed dog breeds. Purebred dogs tend to have more distinctive temperaments and behavioral patterns.

Sometimes physical traits are the reason some owners tend to go for purebred dogs. Mixed dog breeds tend to have less dominate personalities. Since a purebred puppy is literally bred to have a dominate purpose (herding, working, sledding, guarding...) mixed bred pouches tend to lack this and therefore are able to adjust better to being trained to have a personality you would like them to have. Mixed bred dogs also tend to be less expensive than purebred.

One of the joys of many owners of purebred dogs is to show them in competitions. Your pooch should be in pristine shape and groomed perfectly when it comes to a show. The training of the animal is one of the most important aspects. First thing most people do is take the dog to a handling class. This will help prepare him or her for the ring. Training your dog on how to stand properly which is called stacking is very important. Practice makes perfect. Have your competitor ready at all times to go into a ring that way your they will not slack when it comes time for a show.

All dog breeds have their finer points and negative points. Some can be aggressive, some shed like crazy, some are not very tolerant of children. Its all in the eye of the owner what type of puppy you would like to own and make into your best friend. Some people do not have a lot of knowledge about dogs so they just choose the most popular dog breeds for their pet. The American kennel club or the AKC rates dog breeds and has a list of the top ten dog breeds, and ranks the best bred as well as the smartest ones too.

Retrievers and terriers tend to be on the top of most lists. The terrier dog breed is usually known for their aggressive and stubborn personality. These personality traits are shown when they are pursuing small animals as they tend to have a very strong hunting instinct. Toy dog breeds include very many different types of dogs. This type of breed just refers to small dogs.

Since this is a very wide group their attitudes vary greatly. Most people enjoy this breed as a small companion easy to take a long with you, or in small apartments or houses. Retrievers tend to be a very gentle pet. They are not quick to snap or bite and tend to be very good with young children. They are very athletic and are usually point on when sporting. For this reason they are a popular house hold family pet.