Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Don't despair; instead, keep in mind the following hints while searching and you'll know what choice is right for you and your lifestyle.
First, it's a little depressing to think about a Great Dane in an apartment your friends have dubbed "the water-closet". Even if you are able to hire a dog walker, it's going to be too cramped for you both. Save yourself and the dog from an uncomfortable situation. If you have the space, then it's not an issue. Compromise, because no matter how cute they are as puppies, they will fill those paws!
Space, exercise and quality time go hand in hand when it comes to caring for your new pet. Little dogs need exercise, however, bigger dogs need just as much or more. For bigger dogs, space is more of an issue than for a small dog. Little dogs have plenty of fuel to burn and can do it all indoors. Bigger dogs, however, cannot get as much exercise indoors. They need enough room to work up to a good run to really work their muscles. Even if you are city bound, be sure your dog is able to get plenty of exercise daily. That means outdoors walking, playing and running.
Think about how much quality time you can dedicate to your dog. Dogs need a lot of personal attention. They are pack animals. If you have another dog at home (and once the new addition is settled in), then leaving them alone together (with toys!) may help comfort both pets when you are gone at work. On the other hand, if the dog is obviously tired (and perhaps there are rambunctious children around), allow the dog to rest in its own personal space.
Another issue that arises is whether you want a dog that doesn't shed a lot. If your dog will live outside on the farm, then shedding may not be a concern. Different types of dogs shed at different times of the year, some all year long.
Next, think about whether you want a male or female dog. This is a matter of personal preference. There are different traits between males and females. Males tend to be bit more rowdy, explorative, protective and stronger. Females are less likely to wander off, are usually smaller and play a little gentler.
Finally, you'll want to decide if you want a pure breed or a mixed dog. A mixed, or crossbreed, will cost you less. It may even be free. The Humane Society is a great place to start. Many people find both young and old dogs that would love to be your or you or your child's loyal life companion.
Pure breeds have their benefits. Mostly, their bloodlines are well documented and you will know a lot about their instincts, temperament and size. It's important to know what you want out of your dog, a hunter, a protector, a worker or a friend. It's crucial to think about all of this if you have children.
Pure breeds may develop more problems than crossbreeds. For example, they may show signs of bad hips, elbows, or sight at an earlier age.
Crossbreeds, however, are more of a surprise. If you know the parents of the mixed pup, you can judge accurately what they will become. A crossbreed is less likely to develop problems often passed down in purer breeds.
All of this is important, but not as important as planning ahead. A little forethought will allow you to properly choose and care for your newfound friend.
For more information and an excellent, free, automated resourced to help you choose a dog, please visit our site here.
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at here.
Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
Imagine being on a horse and he bolts. You pull... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More
This may come as a surprise...but if the tables were... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More
Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Lincoln Town Car rentals Addison ..Our Charlie's dog health was a very important issue to... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Nobody likes ticks.In fact, when it comes to ticks I... Read More
Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
Pet |