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Choosing a Dog Breed | Dogs are one of the best companions humans can have. They can be a great partner, offering friendship and a most ardent and loyal pet that can go above and beyond to offer us protection. Therefore, it is no surprise that most people choose a dog as their first pet or want to keep dogs as pets, despite the plethora of responsibilities that come with it.
However, there are so many dog breeds, each with its qualities that can put potential dog parents in a state of confusion. Some are great at offering protection, while some dog breeds are meant for big families. Therefore, it is perfectly fine if you have trouble choosing a breed for yourself as many factors come into play.
Thus, if you’re one of those people who need some guidance when choosing the best dog breeds as pets, then this article will help you do just that.
Before choosing any pet but especially a dog, make sure you have a flexible timetable. If not, you should at least have some time allocated for your pet dog. This is an important factor as dogs are friendly creatures and need human interaction. It would be a grave injustice and even cruelty to get a dog and leave it alone for hours due to your hectic schedule and work timings.
Many dog breeds are docile with low energy levels. Some of them include a Shih Tzu or a Pug. However, many breeds have high levels of energy and keeping them entertained may prove to be a handful if a dog parent isn’t used to it. One popular dog breed is a Border Collie that needs undivided attention and exercise along with frequent play.
Before choosing a pet from any of the dog breeds, step back and evaluate your home. This is an important consideration as you may want to choose a dog size that can easily fit your home without causing too much destruction. For example, it may be a bit difficult to keep a Great Dane if you live in a small apartment because of its sheer size. Not only this, but you may also have to consider your home’s heating and cooling, especially if you keep dog breeds that need air conditioning, such as a Husky. Therefore, make sure your home is compatible to some extent with your selection of a dog breed.
Just like children, dogs are a long-term commitment that requires monetary stability too. Therefore, if you get a pet dog, you must allocate some budget for them as they require nutrition, vet visits, grooming, and even toys.
Although we’ve mentioned some basic expenses you have to keep in mind, there is always the possibility of other unforeseen expenses that may arise. One of them may include a dog walker or a dog babysitter if you have to leave your pet behind. Therefore, you should do some math before getting a dog breed to calculate costs you’ll need to allocate for your dog. It’s recommended to this before bringing a pet home so that there is no injustice or lack of care from your end.
Even though family size does not correlate directly to a dog breed, it does play some role in making the correct choice. If you have a large family with children, a Golden Retriever may be an excellent choice as they love being around people and are extremely friendly with children. Not only this, but if you have family members who work and leave the house for a few hours, you may want to select a dog that can spend some time alone without supervision. Examples of such dog breeds include a Great Dane or a Doberman.
This is an obvious factor that one should consider before choosing any dog breed. A dog’s age determines the level of care and energy you will have to provide as they will to you. For example, if you select a puppy, there is a high possibility that you will have to take care of it and dedicate your time to it.
This same is the case for a senior dog. You may be expected to take them to the vet frequently or take extra care of them. You may not receive the same energy levels as you would from some adult dogs. Therefore, if you’re looking for a jogging partner or someone to get you active and moving, an adult dog would be a better choice.
Each dog’s nature is different, even among breeds. For example, a Golden Retriever is a popular dog breed when it comes to friendliness and companionship. However, some dogs are rowdy by nature and may create a fuss, no matter how well-fed and well-taken care they are. Such an example of dog breeds includes Akitas or Australian Shepherds, who can get aggressive easily and harm others around them.
Some dog breeds require more physical maintenance due to their hair and fur. You may have to take your pet to a grooming salon once a month if your dog breeds such as a Chow Chow has a thick coat of fur. Not only this, but some dog breeds such as a Mastiff and a Bloodhound drool a lot. Therefore, you may have to take extra care of them to avoid slippery surfaces in your home.
Choosing a dog breed for yourself can be difficult. You may want to select the cutest dog breed, but they may be too high maintenance for you. There could be similar problems such as this. Therefore, it is always good to make such a decision by considering all factors listed above. Make sure you evaluate your choice based on them and conduct your own thorough research about each breed. And don’t forget, there is no right or wrong breed. It all depends on you and your lifestyle.