| I can't think of a time in my life that I haven't | | | | book is an easy to read key down the margin of |
| loved dogs. As a very small child, I wanted to run | | | | each page that gives information about activity |
| to every dog that crossed my range of vision | | | | level, grooming needs, etc. It makes it much |
| and play with it. Size and shape didn't matter, | | | | easier to find the breeds that fit your needs and |
| they all needed to be petted and talked to. We | | | | lifestyle. |
| had many dogs in my family while I was growing | | | | When you've narrowed down your list of breeds |
| up, all mixes that brought us joy and | | | | or breed mixes to a few options, there are |
| companionship. I have fond memories of their | | | | several places to continue your research. National |
| unique personalities and quirky behaviors. | | | | breed clubs are a great place to get information |
| It's no surprise that I told my fiance that we had | | | | online. National breed clubs are parent clubs of a |
| to have a dog. Life wouldn't be complete without | | | | specific breed. They will have detailed information |
| one. He agreed, mostly because he wanted me | | | | about the breed from people who specialize in |
| to have some protection while he was at work. | | | | that breed. You can find national breed clubs on |
| We spent the first two years of our marriage | | | | the American Kennel Club website. |
| carefully researching breeds. We made a list of | | | | Internet message boards also exist for just about |
| desired qualities and traits, looked at what kind of | | | | every breed under the sun. You can ask |
| care we could give the dog, and started looking | | | | questions and get information from owners of the |
| for a breed that fit the list. In the end, we | | | | breed you're interested in. Breed characteristics |
| decided on a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Do I love this | | | | that are endearing and funny to one person may |
| breed? Absolutely. Would I recommend them to | | | | be terribly annoying and agitating to another. Don't |
| everyone? Certainly not. Why not? No one breed | | | | underestimate the value of talking to someone |
| is ideal for everyone. In fact, dogs aren't the ideal | | | | who lives with the breed every day! |
| pet for everyone. Loving them is important, but | | | | After you've done your research, where do you |
| that's only part of the equation that leads to a | | | | get a pet? I have two dogs, each from a |
| happy owner and a happy pet. Falling instantly in | | | | different source. We bought Rock from a breeder |
| love with the cute puppy does not qualify a | | | | when he was a puppy, and a few years later we |
| person to own a dog! | | | | adopted Brodie as a young dog from a breed |
| I'm not saying everyone must take two years to | | | | rescue. I recommend looking at a breed rescue |
| decide on a companion pet, but research should | | | | group or your local humane society first. It is |
| always be the first step of bringing any pet into | | | | estimated that six million dogs and cats are |
| your life. Here are a few of the important | | | | euthanized each year because of irresponsible |
| questions that need to be asked and answered | | | | owners. They deserve a second chance in a good |
| before getting any pet: | | | | home. Breed rescues can be found on the |
| 1. Are you willing and happy to train (or learn to | | | | American Kennel Club link or on a search engine. |
| train) a pet? If not, take dogs off the pet list | | | | A good rescue will have you fill out an application |
| altogether. | | | | and probably interview you to make sure you are |
| 2. What is your activity level? How much time and | | | | a good match for their breed. |
| space do you have for exercise with you pet? | | | | Most local humane societies will have a website |
| 3. How much time do you want to spend each | | | | where you can watch for the breed/mix you're |
| week grooming? | | | | interested in. You can also search Petfinders |
| 4. Can you afford the costs of proper food and | | | | website to see other dogs up for adoption in any |
| veterinary care? Does the pet/breed you're | | | | geographic location. If you prefer to buy from a |
| interested in have a tendency for certain medical | | | | breeder who gives a health guarantee, the best |
| conditions? | | | | place to find a responsible breeder is through the |
| 5. Do you have (or are you planning to have) | | | | parent breed club or the AKC. |
| children? | | | | Having a purebred dog is not enough reason to |
| 6. Will you be traveling extensively? | | | | breed! You should be prepared to ask a lot of |
| 7. Do you have rental limitations on pet | | | | questions yourself to ensure the breeder is ethical |
| ownership? | | | | and responsible. A good breeder will have you fill |
| 8. Are you willing to pay for the damage that | | | | out an application before the breeding is planned. |
| pets will inevitably do to your property? | | | | They will normally not breed a dog unless it has |
| When you've answered those questions, you're in | | | | earned its championship status. They may have |
| a better position to do some in-depth research | | | | you sign a contract to have your dog spayed or |
| about breeds and breed mixes. Not all dogs are | | | | neutered on a designated timeline to prevent an |
| created equally. Never, ever, EVER get a dog | | | | unwanted, unplanned litter. A good breeder will |
| based on looks alone. Find out what makes the | | | | have a lot of questions to ask you to ensure that |
| dog tick. What are the instincts this dog is | | | | you are the right owner for one of their dogs. |
| hardwired with? Was the breed (or dominant | | | | Be patient about getting your dog. This isn't |
| breed in a mix) intended to hunt, guard, be a | | | | something that should be rushed through. The |
| constant companion, or some other work? Is the | | | | right dog in the right home will make very happy |
| dog easily trainable? Is it independent or | | | | owners and very happy pets. My dogs are part |
| compliant? What are its exercise requirements? Is | | | | of everything I do, my constant shadows. They |
| it calm or easily excitable? How much grooming is | | | | are great with my kids because I taught the kids |
| required each day/week? | | | | and the dogs how to treat each other from day |
| Where do you start getting the answers to these | | | | one. They are curious, intense in everything they |
| questions? I recommend buying or borrowing the | | | | do, sneaky, independent yet clingy, affectionate, |
| ASPCA's book Complete Guide to Dogs. They | | | | protective, quick to learn, not so quick to obey, |
| have pictures and information on more than 150 | | | | and absolutely perfect for me. |
| breeds, as well as some of the most common | | | | I'm glad I did my research. |
| breed mixes. The most helpful feature of this | | | | |