There are hundreds of breeds of dogs that people can choose from when looking for a pet. There’s also the good-old mutt which may not be the purebred dog that some people desire but can be a wonderful and faithful companion for an individual or a family.
When deciding on what dog is right for you and your family, think about your lifestyle and how a dog would fit into it. A dog is a great pet to have, but also comes with responsibilities that some people aren’t prepared to handle.
Very active people would likely have a great fit with a dog who also likes lots of activity such as a Dalmatian or Labrador Retriever. Families with children will have a good fit with a “kid-friendly” dog that is very patient and easy-going such as a Brittney or Golden Retriever. Elderly people will probably do best with a low-key dog such as a bulldog.
Consider how much a dog is going to cost, both initially and ongoing. Pets need periodic health checkups, shots, and grooming; in addition to basic costs like food. Consider how much time needs to be spent taking care of a dog. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time grooming a dog, don’t get a high maintenance dog such as a Maltese.
If dog hair is a big concern avoid getting a dog that sheds a lot, such as a golden retriever. If someone in the house has allergies but you still want to get a dog, look for a dog that sheds very little such as an Irish Water Spaniel. A long haired dog is usually more problematic for people with allergies but it’s not the dog hair itself that usually causes the problems. It is the pollens and other pollutants that are trapped in the dog’s hair. The allergen on a dog that people are usually allergic to is the skin dander. Any dog an allergic person gets should be kept very clean to minimize the skin dander. Also, the dog should not sleep on the allergic person’s bed but somewhere else in the bedroom or another room entirely.
Take yours and your family’s lifestyle into consideration. If there is hardly ever anyone home, you might want to consider waiting to get a dog until there will be people at home to spend time with it and care for it. One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking a dog won’t mind being home by itself for long stretches of time. Most dogs don’t like to be left alone at all. When they are left alone a lot, they tend to act out by barking excessively, chewing up and destroying everything in sight, and leaving their bodily excretions all over.
There have been many new dog owners that left their dog alone too much and started coming home to a house that looked like it had been hit by a tornado because the floor was littered with shredded pillows, chewed up shoes, and the contents of the trash can were strewn everywhere. Dogs are a lot like a small child who want your attention. They will find a way to get your attention whether it’s good or bad.
Being attracted to a specific breed of dog is common, but it is not the best way to find the best dog for you or your family. For example, most people melt at the sight of a golden retriever puppy. But that puppy is going to grow into a very active dog that needs lots of room to run and play because a golden retriever has lots of energy. It’s not a dog that’s suitable for small apartments and not a good choice for someone with allergies. They are a fun dog though. They love to play, are a very happy dog, and are often chosen as assistance dogs because they are hard workers and very gentle.
The best thing to start with when making a decision on what kind of dog to get is a piece of paper and a pen. Write down the reasons why you really want a dog to make sure you are making a good decision. After you’ve decided that yes, you are going to get a dog, write down what is most important to you in a dog. Write down what is most important to you in a dog. For example, does the dog need to already be house-trained? If the answer is yes, an adult dog or partially grown dog is going to be a better choice than a young puppy.
Do you need a guard dog to protect your home and family? If so Cane Corso would be a great choice. They are great guard dogs and are good with children making them a perfect family guard dog. If Cane Corso is your choice, make sure to do your research when looking for a Cane Corso Puppy For Sale. Most Cane Corso breeders are reputable but a background check wouldn’t hurt.
Does the dog need to be a purebred or will you be happy with adopting a puppy or dog from the local animal shelter? Think about your surroundings. How much space do you have for the dog? Do you have space outside for it to run or will it need to be taken out on a leash for its bathroom breaks and to get exercise. Again, consider the time factor. It is the single most important part of your decision. A dog can live without attention, but it will not thrive or be happy.