Choosing A Dog – Important Tips For Choosing A Dog

Choosing a dog is an important decision, and there are some very important considerations that potential dog owners need to think through before getting a dog. While some of the tips may seem obvious, it's amazing how often dog owners fall in love with the first puppy they see, and don’t consider the traits and other aspects of the breed. Spending some time making decisions about the type or breed of dog you want is critical - as this is a long-term relationship and should be positive for both the owner and the dog.

When choosing a dog take the time to consider the following aspects of dog ownership. Be honest with yourself as both your lifestyle and the dog’s needs will impact on the overall success of bringing a dog into the house.

Tip 1: Active people need active dogs, quieter lifestyles need quieter dogs

If you're an active person, a good idea is to choose a dog that will be a good companion on your outings and activities. Sometimes, very large and very small or tiny breeds are difficult to involve in a lot of activities. Medium and small breeds can be very athletic but also very social and easy to transport.

There are some breeds of dogs that require very little exercise. These breeds (usually the smaller breeds as well as some of the spaniels and, surprisingly, some of the larger breeds) don’t need a lot of constant exercise provided they have daily walks and exercise times. Avoid getting a dog to keep you motivated to exercise - this rarely works in the long-run and usually ends up with the dog being neglected, or becoming disobedient or even aggressive if they are not properly exercised.

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Tip 2: Some breeds are better with children and pets than others

Often very active breeds, toy or tiny breeds, or breeds bred for hunting or guard dog duties may not be suitable for very small children. Most dogs when socialized properly at a young age can be taught to interact with people and other pets appropriately. Some breeds are naturally more aggressive than others, and care needs to be taken if selecting one of these breeds if children or other pets are in the house.

Tip 3: Purebred vs. Mixed Breed

Most people want a pet, not a breeding dog. If you're considering breeding a dog, then a purebred is an important consideration. Be aware that breeding is a lot of work and is expensive, and definitely not a way to make quick money (as many people mistakenly believe).

Purebred puppies usually have a health guarantee, as well as the help and support of the breeder. They're usually considerably more expensive than a mixed breed dog or puppy, but choosing a dog that is purebred does have some advantages, including health information as well as information about the parents.

Mixed breed dogs are often great as family pets, although it may be difficult to determine as small puppies just how large they will eventually get. They also may favor either parent as a breed, and are a bit harder to predict as to the final temperament. Good socialization and interaction is very important for all dogs and puppies, and can certainly help with many problematic issues for either purebred or mixed breed dogs.

Tip 4: Consider the time you can spend on the dog’s coat and overall appearance

A beautiful Collie or St. Bernard is wonderful to look at, but it's not far short of a full time commitment to keep their coat looking shiny and well kept! Longer haired dogs often have problems with matting and tangling. Bathing the longer haired dogs can also be a challenge, especially if they're a large breed dog. Choosing a dog that has a coat that you feel comfortable managing, or alternatively planning to use a groomer, is an important consideration.