Why are you going to have a dog? The rewards of dog ownership are real but hard to define. It can be for company, for exercise, to reduce stress, for security, or for many other reasons. It’s a bit like having a two-year-old who never grows up, and if you don’t like children you might not like dogs either. Owning a dog also costs a good amount of money (but they are much cheaper than children!)
What kind of dog? Consider the following as a sort of checklist. Your answers to these questions will narrow down your choice considerably.
- Does the dog need to get along with children? Larger dogs are often best with children; Toy dogs are too delicate for small children to handle.
- Does the dog need to get along with other dogs and pets?
- Is the dog easy to handle or does it need an owner experienced in dog training?
- Do you want to take your dog on a trip with you? This is much easier with a small or medium dog.
- How much exercise does the dog need? How much time and energy are you willing to spend exercising the dog? Some breeds need much more exercise than others. Remember that the dog needs exercise whatever the weather.
- Does the dog need a lot of space or is it suitable for apartment living?
- Do you want a guard dog or one that is friendly to strangers?
- Do you want to leave the dog alone during the day while you are at work?
- Do you need a dog that is okay for people who suffer from allergies?
- Does the dog need a lot of care, and if so, are you going to do it yourself or pay someone else to do it? Some long-haired dogs need a lot more grooming. However, many dogs that don’t need brushing shed constantly.
- Decide if you specifically want a male or female dog.
Mongrel – mixed breed Often free or very cheap to obtain, and cheaper to insure. They are generally healthier and have fewer behavioral quirks than pedigree dogs. On the other hand, you won’t know exactly how your dog will turn out if you get a mongrel puppy. Beware of getting a dog that is advertised as ‘free to a good home’ etc as it may be that the way it was raised has created health or behavioral problems. Dog homes always have a supply of mixed breed dogs and can usually give you insight into behavior, health, etc. Of the dog. They must also accept a dog that turns out to be in trouble or unsuitable for any reason.
Pedigree Breeds If you want a pedigree dog, choose a few breeds that you think might be suitable. If you are not very familiar with the breed, read as much as you can about it. Checking the breed standards is very important if you want to breed from them or do well at dog shows, but it’s not as helpful when it comes to breed health issues, dog character, grooming or training. , but other more general books will fill the gap. If you just want one pet, your priority is a healthy, well-behaved dog and lots of “flaws” related to size, build, color, and markings, etc. you won’t worry. If you tell the breeder this, they may offer you a special price for a dog that will make a good pet but is not suitable for breeding or dog shows. According to Wikipedia, the American Kennel Club recognizes around 170 dog breeds, too many to even list them all here. For convenience, divide all dog breeds into seven groups:
sporting dogs for example, pointers, setters, retrievers, and many spaniels. They generally need a fair amount of exercise. Breeds that are generally good with children include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Setters, English Cocker Spaniels, American Cocker Spaniels, and Flat Coated Retrievers.
working dogs for example, guard dogs like the Rottweiler or Doberman Pinscher, and sled dogs like the Malamute or Husky. They mostly need a lot of exercise and a good amount of space. The Newfoundland looks like a giant teddy bear and stands out for its sweetness and good nature. He is particularly good with children and makes a great family dog. He was born to swim and needs a lot of preparation.
toy dogs eg Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Pomeranians, Maltese. These are suitable for apartments in the city and do not need a lot of exercise, so they are more suitable for the elderly and confined at home. However, toy dogs and small children do not get along!
burrows for example, Yorkshire terrier, Boston terrier, Scottish terrier, Cairn terrier. This group includes small and medium-sized dogs. They generally need firm handling and are best with older children. They are energetic and enjoy games like Frisbees. Keep in mind that Bull Terriers, Pit Bulls, and Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred as fighting dogs. They need an experienced owner who will ensure they are properly socialized and trained.
bloodhounds – Hounds include Afghan Hounds, Borzoi, Greyhounds and Salukis. These are very fast and energetic. They should always be kept on a leash except in a fenced area, otherwise they may run off chasing a squirrel or cat. However, older greyhounds become much calmer and retired racing dogs can make great pets once they get used to living in a home. If they are thoroughly exercised in the morning and evening, greyhounds can adjust to being left alone all day. The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest breeds. An adult male will weigh between 120 and 160 pounds. They make good family dogs as they are dependable, patient, good-tempered, and affectionate. Bloodhounds include Dachshunds, Bloodhounds, Bassets, and Beagles. They are much calmer than hunting dogs. Beagles are very popular because they are loyal and good with children and other pets. However, they are not that easy to train as they have an independent streak and will follow one scent regardless of anything else.
Shepherd dog for example, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, Collie, and German Shepherd. These breeds were originally developed to herd cattle and sheep, so they are intelligent and athletic. Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies need plenty of exercise and room to run. German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds, but they have suffered from shortcomings due to over-breeding. They should be trustworthy, confident, loyal and even-tempered, but today there are some who are timid and nervous and should be avoided.
Non-athletic dog. This group includes all races that do not fit into any of the other groups. A wide variety of types and sizes including Bichon Frise, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Bulldog, Boston Terrier and Poodle.
designer dogs. This is a term used for hybrid dogs that are deliberate crosses between two breeds in an attempt to obtain the desirable qualities of both breeds without any of the problems associated with either breed. Poodles are popular for these crosses because they have coats that don’t shed, which should be better for people with allergies. The non-shedding coat appears to be a dominant characteristic present in all first generation crosses. For example, a Labrador retriever crossed with a poodle is known as a Labradoodle, a cross between a pug and a beagle is a puggle, a cockapoo is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, and a goldendoodle is a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. poodle. With 170 races to start with, there are over 14,000 possible combinations of two races! There are already over 100 different hybrid breeds registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Health Different breeds are prone to various hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis or entropion. Before buying a pedigree dog, check to see what diseases that breed is prone to and check with the breeder that the parents of the dog you choose have been certified free of defects.
Allergies and Hypoallergenic Dogs If someone in your family suffers from allergies, it would be wise to choose a dog that sheds little, such as a poodle, but all dogs produce some allergens. If you suspect a dog allergy, you need to visit a specialist to check if the dog is really the cause. There are many ways to reduce the impact of any type of allergy, for example, hard floors instead of carpets, antihistamine treatments. Regular bathing and careful grooming of your dog should also help.