Selecting the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle

How to Select the Right Dog for You

Here are a few suggestions to begin your pet finding process:

• Research a variety of breeds so that you know their “hardwired” characteristics. Every pure breed of dog has characteristics that typically accompany the breed. Knowing what these traits are may help you decide if a particular breed or breed type may be a good match for you and your lifestyle.
• If you decide on a mixed breed instead of a purebred, it can be helpful to know what breed characteristics it might have based on its heritage as well.
• There are no guarantees that a dog will exactly match a breed standard, but doing your research on breeds will stack the odds in your favor.
• Search on the internet and read breed-specific books for information about breed standards and the wide variety of breeds that are available. You will begin to get a feel for what different breeds are like. For example, you might learn that herding breeds, such as Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies, have a strong inclination to herd livestock, are bred to run and work for hours at a time, and will use barking, nipping/biting, chasing or a combination of all of these to control their herd. So, if you live in an apartment and have small children who take up much of your day, a dog that requires abundant exercise, loves to bark and chase small moving objects is not a good fit for your current lifestyle. You might instead want to consider an older dog with a mellower personality that will mesh well with your children and your household.
• Realistically assess how much time and money you have to spend on your new dog. Breeds with significant grooming needs will require regular trips to a groomer. Some breeds will need a lot of exercise and a lot of time from you. Some breeds may be more assertive breeds, such as terriers or working breeds, which are likely not the best choice for novice dog owners or will require more time for training and socialization.
• You should also decide on whether you have the right lifestyle for a puppy or an adult dog. While many people enjoy the thrill of having an adorable new puppy in their home, they often don’t anticipate the needs of what basically is a “baby” in your household. Housetraining, socialization, basic training, and “puppy proofing” your home all take much time and effort and patience on your part. If you have a busy, hectic life, then a puppy may not be the best choice for you. There are many advantages to taking home an adult dog, such as the likelihood that the dog is already housetrained as well as may have had some training from the previous owner or owners. And adult dog has an “established” personality that you can observe and while all dogs require daily exercise, depending on the age and breed of the dog, the adult dog you acquire may not require the same amount of physical work as a puppy.

All dogs will need basic medical attention, training, grooming and exercise.