How To Choose A Dog Breed
It’s said that dogs are ‘man’s best friend’, and it’s not hard to see why. Having a dog as a pet helps you to get more exercise, relax and unwind more easily – and it’s even been reported that your precious pooch can prevent you from suffering from depression! Getting a dog does require careful thought and consideration, so read about what you should be thinking about before deciding to go ahead with pet ownership. Once you’ve made the choice to go for it, you need to think about what kind of breed will suit you, your home and your family best. Here’s how to pick the right breed of dog…
Size matters when it comes to choosing the right breed of dog as your pet. Larger dogs will usually need more space, so an apartment setting is not going to be ideal. Smaller dogs often need less space, but there are exceptions to this, which is why it’s worth doing your research. Don’t forget that a bigger dog won’t necessarily be bounding about constantly, and some breeds of smaller pooches can be full of energy.
Temperament is an important factor, and it varies widely among different kinds of dogs. Some breeds are best as sole companions, and others are more suited to being in the company of children. It’s also worth checking if your chosen breed is ok with other animals if there are already pets in your home. Breeds like retrievers, setters, terriers and bulldogs have temperaments that work well with children and family environments. You can find out everything you need to know about bulldogs and other breeds that are right for families by doing your research.
Your research into the right kind of breed should include consulting with expert professionals. Contact your local animal shelter: they will be happy to give you information on the best kind of dog to get if you live in an apartment, for example – and they might even be able to help you find your new pet. Talk to the vet to ask his opinion on the best breed of dog for your lifestyle and living circumstances. You could even join an online community to get advice from a whole host of pet owners – and ask questions like ‘what’s the best breed to get if you’ve never had a dog before?’
Playing Dog Young Dog Playful Hybrid Dog
Think about how much free time you have to exercise and play with your dog. If you are going to be out for most of the day, and you don’t have time to spend hours out walking with your new four-legged friend – choose a breed that has a little less energy. For example, basset hounds, Irish wolfhounds and bulldogs don’t require as much exercise as other kinds of dogs.
Taking your time choosing the right breed of dog is really important, so that you and he can have a long and happy life together! Once you’ve got your precious pet settled in – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him in your life!