How Much is that Doggie in the Window?
So you have decided to get yourself a dog…good for you! There
is some important information you need to acquire before purchasing
the newest addition to your family.
Each breed of dog differs in many ways. To make sure the breed
you chose is the best for you and your family you need to do some
research. Thankfully there is a lot of information out there to
help.
Size is an important factor. A larger breed of dog is going to
take up more room. It is also going to cost you a bit more; not
only in purchase price, but also for medications, surgeries, and
the amount of food he eats. Larger breeds also have a shorter life
span than their smaller buddies.
The amount of time you have to spend with your dog is also a consideration.
Each breed has different needs. Do you have 30 – 60 minutes
at least once a week to dedicate to grooming? If not, a dog with
a long coat or a double coat may not be the best choice. Are you
prepared to spend 1 – 2 hours per day exercising your dog?
If so, by all means go get that lab. If not, you may want to consider
a less active breed.
Some breeds really need to have a job. A herding dog is happiest
with room to roam and things to herd. I recently read a story about
a couple with a border collie, which kept jumping the fence and
herding traffic out front. This may not be the type of dog for you
if you live in a congested area with no yard. Speaking of a yard,
some dogs really thrive in a big house with lots of land. Other
dogs want nothing more than to sit at your feet in your tiny studio.
Ask yourself where and how you live and then find an appropriate
breed for your lifestyle.
Temperaments range from dog to dog. Of course each dog is different
and has his own very special and unique personality. However, most
breeds can be somewhat generalized in terms of temperament. Take
a look at your family and the people and other animals in your life,
then research how a breed you may be considering gets along with
people, other dogs and other animals.
To research breeds, you can look many places. The internet has
tons of information, literally at your fingertips. There are also
lots of dog related magazines that often highlight different breeds.
Talk to people – your vet, your friends and family, your neighbors.
Take a walk to your local park any weekend morning and you can meet
all sorts of dogs!
Remember to consider at least the following: size, life span, trainability,
required grooming, activity level, temperment, and common health
problems. Then, when you have a place to start, contact some breeders.
Be sure to meet the breeders, see the premises and meet your new
pup’s parents. And then get ready for some unconditional love
and lots of slobbery kisses!
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