Choosing The Right Type Of Dog For Your Home

So you’ve made the decision to bring a four footed friend into your home. Before you choose which breed, it is important to know that certain breeds have different needs and personalities. Do you have a yard and house with adequate space that a large, active dog will require? Are you worried about how your new dog will react to your small children? These are just a couple of the many things to consider when choosing a breed of dog to bring into your home.

Take a look at your current lifestyle and see what adjustments you are willing to make for a new dog. Look at your family’s needs, especially if you have children or other pets. Here are some tips to help you choose the best dog for you and your family.

Size
Maybe you have already decided you’d like a cute little lap dog. Many small dogs are very sensitive to colder temperatures, so be ready to keep them warm! Or maybe you’d like a large dog. A larger dog will need more room to move around. Another thing to consider about larger dogs is the financial aspect. Larger dogs require larger amounts of food, and oftentimes, larger veterinary bills for medical treatments. If you can’t really choose between a large or a small dog, then maybe a medium sized dog, such as a Bull Terrier, is right for you.

Exercise Level
Another thing to consider when searching for the right breed is their level of activity. Sure, you know that some dog breeds are more active than others, but do not rely solely on this fact to decide how active your dog will become. Every dog should exercise regularly, so make sure you can provide this. If you know you cannot commit to at least one or two walks a day, you’d probably be better off with a lower-energy dog such as a Basset Hound, for example. If you are looking for a dog that will go on a jog with you, consider a breed like either the Border Collie or a Black Lab.

Maintenance Level
Another point to consider is the amount of physical maintenance each breed of dog will require. Most short-haired dogs with smooth coats tend to shed much more than normal, so be prepared to clean up regularly. Also be aware that dogs with large, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections, so frequent thorough ear cleaning is a must. In addition, certain types of dogs do a lot of drooling, such as Mastiffs and Bloodhounds.

Age
Though puppies are certainly cute, you still may want to consider an adult dog. That way, there will be no guesswork about the true energy level, attitude, and temperament of your new dog. However, keep in mind that just because it’s an adult, doesn’t mean it’s trained. You should be prepared to expect some dedicated training, at least to some degree.