Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Breeds
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Breeds
There is no wrong or right way to find your new dog. What is important is getting one that is good for you. So whether you plan to use the help of a breeder or adopt one, your aim should be to find a breed that is extremely compatible with where you live and your lifestyle. Choosing the ideal breed makes the difference in your happiness and that of the dog.
Additionally, choosing dogs go beyond looking for cute faces. While you are thinking of getting a particular dog for your peculiar needs, you need to consider what it wants too. So if you are a prospective pet owner who wants to provide a loving shelter to a pooch, here are a few things to bear in mind:
1. Your Activity Level
When choosing breeds, the first thing you want to check is how active you are. If you choose a dog with a high-energy level when you are on the opposite side, you may quickly become exhausted. You can check out https://3lostdogs.com/how-to-live-with-a-high-energy-dog-without-losing-your-mind/ to know how to live with highly active dogs.
On the other hand, if the dog is on the lower side of the energy bar while you are on the high side, you may become frustrated because you want to always be on the move.
Therefore you need to take some time to answer the following questions:
- Is your lifestyle active or passive?
- Does your daily routine involve exercises like running?
- Do you like camping or hiking a lot?
- Do you enjoy strolls around the neighborhood?
- Will a high-energy dog fit well in your daily routine?
- Is there any dog park close to your home?
- Do you prefer a couch potato that is okay being a sluggish lap dog?
The ideal breed for you is one whose needs match yours. If you are still confused about what you need, there are many websites offering quizzes that can help you find a good match.
2. Your Schedule
As we already mentioned, you need to choose a breed that matches your activities. As a result, checking your schedules before getting one is important. This is to ensure that you do not deprive the pet of attention.
If you’re getting a puppy, know that it requires proper training. You need to teach it how to recognize danger, strangers, kids, and family members. It also needs to learn how to stay in its crate and so on. Therefore, ensure your schedule gives you time to train your pet.
Additionally, if the breed you choose has a high level of energy, can you go on long walks? Can you provide all the activities it needs? On a second thought, maybe a senior is what you need. It is independent and can stay home alone while you are at work.
3. The Age of the Dog
Every dog experiences different stages of life. In each stage, the breed’s personality changes. Those that have high chances of being housetrained are adult breeds. They may also have a calm temperament compared to younger breeds.
Also, if you choose older dogs, it will not be difficult to find out their personality and medical history. Therefore, you will not need to pass through the stress that comes with raising a young puppy. You can click here to know how to raise a puppy.
But you still need to know that some older breeds do not socialize well with small children (probably due to previous traumatic experiences). So this aspect must be considered seriously if you have kids at home.
4. The Breed’s History
If you decide to buy from a breeder, they will definitely give you the history of the breed. But if you adopt from a shelter, you may get a hazy history. Probably, the dog was abandoned or abused in the past. As a result, moments from that past life may affect the way it behaves.
Now that does not imply that a rough past means the breed will not be good for you. It just means that you should be willing and able to do the work that is involved.
5. The Size of Your Home
The space available in your home is very critical when deciding to get a dog. Is your house a small one? Can it accommodate a large breed? Or will it fit a small breed perfectly? Is there a backyard that the dog can play in and do other business?
Large dog breeds like the Great Danes are prone to hip problems, torn ACLs, and other physical ailments. But smaller breeds like Chihuahuas are vulnerable to colder temperatures or physical accidents than large breeds.
6. The Breed
Each dog breed has a unique inherent trait. The American Kernel Club categorized each breed as follows: terrier, toy, non-sporting, sporting, hound, herding, and working. Each of them has distinct personality traits, and you need to know if they match yours. You can check Holistapet to read about each category and its traits.
Furthermore, if you are allergic to furs from animals, a breed that is hypoallergenic such as the poodle will suit you if its other features match your personality. Mixed breeds combine different ideal traits that you may be looking for. However, it is not a guarantee that you will see all the traits that you want.
For instance, pugs and purebred bulldogs have a small nasal cavity. This can greatly affect the way they breathe when they are overheated.
Conclusion
Dogs are friendly companions, and we cannot overemphasize the role they play in our lives. But getting the breed that matches your personality is of utmost importance. Therefore, the information in this article will help you find a suitable match.
