While many people may assume that choosing a dog is simply finding one you like (and perhaps can afford) there really is much more that should be considered before you make a final decision. Pet owners who fail to consider all the ramifications of their choices are often left with an unhappy relationship with their dog that can lead to serious consequences for both dog and owner. So if you are considering adding a dog to your home here are some tips for choosing a dog.

Photo: longlivedogs.com

Choose the Right Breed

Before you adopt or buy a dog, it is extremely important that you know what type of breed would be best for your lifestyle and family. Don’t narrow your choices to quickly as there are a lot of dogs out there. Records show that there are approximately 200 breeds of dogs that come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Each of these dogs was bred for specific traits. Having the right information on the traits of different breeds will help you choose the type of dog that will blend with your family and become a lifelong companion and friend. It is important to keep in mind though that this choice entails a lifetime responsibility, as you will commit yourself to loving and caring for this animal for ten years or more. Pet advocates recommend using an online dog breed selector to help you find several breeds you like and then you can read about the breeds in books to learn more.

Choosing Puppies Is Harder than it Looks

If you have decided that your new dog will enter your life and your home as a puppy it is important to know which type of puppy will work best for you. Everyone knows that puppies are cute, adorable, and hard to resist but if you want to choose the right puppy, do not fall in love with the first one you see. Experts recommend that before you choose a new puppy you should take a look at the entire litter and see how they interact. If some of the puppies are excited and others are not the more docile ones may actually make the most even-tempered and easy-going adults. But like people the puppies that are in the middle, which are neither too aggressive nor overly docile, are probably your best bet. Keep in mind that most puppies are trusting, curious, playful and friendly and if the puppies you are looking at are not, the breeder may not have spent enough time with them, and therefore may never really fit into a family. Remember, to use your instinct-if the puppies do not seem right, well-cared for or happy pass these on by to continue your search.

Think Outside the Box

Often times pet owners may have their heart set on a certain dog breed but feel the dog may be too large or require too much care. Before giving up entirely you may want to consider a miniature dog of the same breed. For example, if you love Collies but you simply don’t have the room for a dog that size think about getting a Sheltie, which is a smaller breed that closely resembles a Collie but doesn’t need as much space or grooming as its full-sized cousin. If your chosen dog breed does not have a miniature variety, look at breeds in the same family (such as the herding or toy families) to find other dogs with many of the same characteristics of the dog breed you love. Dog breeds in each breeding family tend to share many characteristics, so chances are that you will find other dog breeds similar to your favorite but a more practical fit for your particular needs and lifestyle.

Debbie J. Gretsch is a work-at-home writer and mom. Her interests are parenting, education, pets and relationships. She lives in San Diego with two German Shepherds, two cats, two kids and her husband.

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