Choosing the Right Dog Breed


Animal shelters struggle to find homes for the many unwanted and puppies in this country. All too often, people bring a dog home with little idea of the animal’s needs only to abandon the dog when it fails to meet their expectations. When selecting the right dog for you, take into consideration several factors about your lifestyle and about the breed of dog you desire. Think about your own lifestyle. Are you usually an active person, or more of a couch potato? Where do you live – a city apartment or a spacious rural property? Are there children in your life? Do you battle allergies on a regular basis? Do you need to set up indoor dog gates throughout your place? Do you find it tough to remember to take care of your own personal needs, let alone a dog's? If you are the kind of person that likes to be active and outdoors, a larger breed may be a good fit. Like spending a lot of time indoors?

It may be in your best interest to choose a dog that is happy and content to hang out on the couch with you. Some energetic breeds may become destructive when left indoors all day. Make sure you understand whether your schedule will accommodate your dog's limitations. One of the saddest situations occurs when dog owners relinquish their pet to the pound due to the changing nature of their family. So take care of your dog and surprise him with goodies like holiday dog collars. If your dog will interact with your own children or others frequently, select a breed known for a gentle and patient temperament. If you suspect allergies will be an issue, investigate dog varieties with lesser shedding of hair and dander. Try to spend time around other’s pets before committing to your own as you may be able to determine the intensity of your reaction.

Keep in mind that while you may like the look of certain dog coats of others, the way they must be groomed may require more attention. Neglected grooming can create a severely uncomfortable situation for man’s best friend. Be sure to not leave clothing on for hours on end, even if they are wearing holiday dog sweaters, because they are not good for their fur. The better you understand how much time, energy and care that certain breed may need the better the chance you will save yourself and your dog from future heartbreak. Finding the right dog can be one of the greatest additions to your life and should not be taken lightly.

Large Dog Crate

by Ripley