Selecting a Canine - How to Choose a Dog That Suits Your Lifestyle

Most people choose a dog based on looks andcase, a large breed will likely be unsuitable. So, too,
personal interaction. A puppy with irresistible eyeswill high-energy breeds that require plenty of
and a playful attitude is hard to turn away. Theroom to run.
problem is, a lot of puppies grow out of theirBe realistic about the amount of room you have
cuteness and playfulness. By the time they reachavailable for a canine. If you're thinking about
adulthood, they become more than their ownersadopting a puppy rather than an adult dog,
bargained for.consider its full-grown size. A pup will reach this
It's important to consider your lifestyle whensize within twelve months.
selecting a canine. Some breeds are ideally suitedExercise, Grooming, And Veterinary Care
for an active lifestyle while others are content toMany owners underestimate the time and budget
sit on the couch all day. Some are large whileinvolved in caring for a canine. You'll need to
others are small. Some require grooming everyprovide your dog with a daily outlet for exercise.
two or three weeks while others need to beAt minimum, plan to take him for a walk each
groomed every day. Given that you and your petday. Most breeds need more exercise, however,
will likely spend a decade together, it's worthto stay healthy. Some, such as Border Collies,
investing sufficient time to make the right decision.need more activity than most in order to work
Below, we'll take you through the process ofoff pent-up energy.
choosing a dog that is appropriate for your life.Grooming needs represent another area often
Making the right choice paves the way for amisjudged by owners. Breeds with short hair tend
rewarding friendship, for both you and yourto require less-frequent brushing, but sometimes
canine.shed more than their longer-haired counterparts.
Learn About Specific BreedsBreeds with long hair may need brushing once
Every breed has specific character traits. Foreach day. Regular bathing, haircuts, and nail
example, Boxers and Rottweilers are known totrimmings are also important to consider.
be athletic and loyal; Beagles are particularlyYour canine will need to see a veterinarian once
high-energy, and can be stubborn; and Standardeach year for a checkup. As he grows older, he
Poodles are known to have an even,should have checkups twice a year in order to
well-mannered temperament.prevent small health problems from worsening.
Each breed is also susceptible to certain healthThe problem is, a lot of owners adopt their dogs
problems. Boston Terriers are predisposed towithout considering the cost of regular veterinary
glaucoma; Great Danes and Akitas often developcare. When their pets become ill, they lack the
hip dysplasia; and Chows are known to cope withfinancial resources to make sure they receive the
gastric dilatation.attention they need.
It's important to identify breed standards, so you'llWill A Dog Fit Into Your Life?
have a clear understanding of the challenges youIn many ways, caring for a canine is similar to
may confront down the road. Many people adoptcaring for a baby or toddler. He'll depend on you
dogs without taking this step. Unfortunately, theyfor food, shelter, exercise, and companionship; he'll
often encounter unanticipated problems for whichneed housetraining, obedience classes, and
they are unprepared.socialization; he'll also need grooming and
Do You Have Enough Room?veterinary care on a regular basis. This means
If you live on a ranch surrounded by severalyou need to take an active role in making him a
acres, your canine will have plenty of room topart of your life. The investment of time and
run, play, and roam. Regardless of his size, hemoney, however, yields dividends through a
won't feel cramped or restricted. But supposerewarding friendship that grows stronger with
you live in a small apartment or condo. In thistime.