| Discover how to own the best dog for you and your | | | | apartment don’t get a large dog!f) What |
| family by choosing the perfect dog breed... | | | | characteristics do I want in my dog? - Think of |
| If choosing dog is such a straight forward process, | | | | words like independent, energetic, submissive, |
| and it is, how come so many puppies find their way | | | | affectionate, protective, quiet, funny or sociable. Try |
| into adoption centres every year? Well one reason is | | | | to match them to the characteristics of your family |
| that people choose the wrong dog breed. | | | | members. Your dog will fit in much better if you do. |
| Don’t let your puppy become a statistic. Make | | | | Finding The Right Dog Breed |
| it your goal to choose a puppy suited to your family | | | | Once you have answered these questions it is time |
| and circumstances. Think about your previous | | | | to go out and find the right dog breed for you. The |
| experience of owning a dog and the amount of time | | | | internet is a great place to start. Just go to your |
| you have for training, grooming and exercising. Look | | | | favourite search engine and type in something like |
| at your health including possible allergies, your financial | | | | dog breed information or dog breeds |
| resources and the amount of space in your house | | | | and you will find some excellent sites giving detailed |
| and yard. Most of all work out how much time you | | | | information about each breed. |
| have for a dog. | | | | Note the characteristics of the different breeds. |
| Of all the different factors in choosing a the right dog | | | | What is best for your situation: large or small, male or |
| breed, among the most important is the relationship | | | | female, purebred or mix? Short coat or shaggy coat? |
| you want with your dog. Some breeds by nature are | | | | A dog needing lots or little exercise? A lot or little |
| rather aloof and elegant, others are independent and | | | | daily grooming? Think through your choices in detail |
| energetic while others are dependent or submissive. | | | | and compare this information to your requirements |
| If you want to do specialized training, consider | | | | and make a short list. |
| breeds known for courage and trainability. If you | | | | Next ask people you trust about the dog breeds you |
| want an affectionate pet, choose a breed that | | | | are interested in. Ask friends, family members and |
| typically likes to be close to its people. | | | | co-workers for suggestions of dog breeds they think |
| To ensure that your puppy fits in with your lifestyle | | | | would be good for you and your family. Ask them to |
| begin by asking yourself these questions:a) How | | | | be honest about the good points and bad points of |
| much time can I spend with my dog, a social | | | | the breeds they suggest. Visit dog training schools |
| creature who craves companionship? - If your time is | | | | and breeders and ask about the dogs your think may |
| limited don’t get a breed which can become | | | | be suitable. Follow up on and meet the breeds you |
| dependent on their owners.b) How much exercise | | | | feel are a good match. |
| can I give my dog? - If you hate exercise, buy a | | | | Finally make every effort when choosing a puppy to |
| small dog happy with a short walk. If you like to walk | | | | make your final choice of a dog breed a family |
| the mountains all day long get a dog breed which | | | | decision. Your dog will be part of the family, and each |
| likes a lot of exercise.c) How much grooming can I | | | | member needs to feel a sense of ownership for the |
| do? - If you hate grooming, buy a short-haired dog.d) | | | | dog and a willingness to help in its care. |
| How much training can I give? - If you have limited | | | | So there you have it a short guide to choosing a |
| time, choose a breed known for ease of training.e) | | | | puppy that will fit into your family perfectly and bring |
| How much room do I have? - If you live in a small | | | | years of fun and happiness. |