Choosing a Dog Breed

Finding the match made in heaven

So, you know how to take care of your pet, and you've done all your homework. You have an experienced, reasonable vet lined up and you know your family or roommate isn't going to object. What next? Now, it's time to decide on the dog that's right for you. That means thinking about your situation and abilities, breed characteristics, your preferences, and the dog's personality.

All these factors can have a huge effect on whether or not a dog is right for you. It doesn't matter if you adore Australian Shepherds - if you live in a small apartment or aren't ready to take up a daily run, this isn't the dog for you. Let's take a look at how to find out if you're thinking about the right pet.

Think About Your Situation
The first step is looking at the resources you have available. Where you live, how much money you have, and your lifestyle will all affect the type of dog that you should get. For instance, it's usually a bad idea to get a high energy large dog, such a Labrador Retriever, in a small apartment. It may not be the right time for you to get a dog if you're in school, or likely to move a lot - many apartments won't rent to dog owners, or will charge exorbitant amounts of money. Ask yourself if you have the funds to afford good quality dog food (avoiding the cheap stuff will prevent many health issues) and to create a backup account in case of medical emergencies.

Time Concerns
How about your time and availability? Many breeds are very affectionate and need regular interaction with humans. Some, like mastiffs, can actually go into a deep depression if their owners go on vacation without them! While not all dogs are this dependent, busy people who aren't home much may not be the right choice for many dogs. Make sure that you'll be around often enough for your dog, and that the time you're spending with him or her is quality time - not just watching TV or getting work done. Many dogs feel like this isn't active enough.

Consider Age
Will you want a puppy, or an older dog? In general, it's best to adopt an adult animal, no matter how cute that puppy is. After all, older dogs have already been through their rambunctious phase, have a well defined personality, and are often much less costly to adopt from shelters and rescues. Even purebred dogs can be found here, since many people adopt without thinking.

Still, there are reasons to get a puppy for some people. If your new dog needs to be trained to be around other animals and small children, if you're planning to show or you're a professional breeder, or if you want to adopt a purebred with a known ancestry and have a significant effect on the dog's training, a puppy may be better. Just remember that a young dog will be rambunctious, must be trained, and may be more expensive, both in terms of adoption fees and vet bills.

Breed And Size
Remember that large dogs don't necessarily equal a large space, and small ones don't always mean a small one. Many people adopt Chihuahuas and other tiny dogs on the assumption that they make great apartment pets, only to find out that these little animals have a lot of energy. Take the time to learn about any breed that you're considering adopting. Don't just rely on word of mouth for your information, either. Look into official breed websites and discuss matters with your vet or the breeder.

It's certainly easier to keep a rambunctious maltese in a smaller space than a rambunctious Malamute. However, people with more laid back larger breeds can often keep them without owning a large house - as long as they're willing to provide adequate exercise outside the house. Don't expect your pet to remain healthy if you can't provide the space to keep him or her that way. Some breeds require a great deal of space for their size, such as the herding breeds, while others will be content in a remarkably small space.

Health Issues
Do you or anyone you live with suffer from animal allergies? Some dogs, like the Mexican Hairless, are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than others, but it really depends on the person (since some react more to the oils on a dog's skin than the hair itself). That means that you may have to choose a breed that's less likely to produce a lot of dander, and that you may have to "try out" your new pet for a few weeks without getting attached. This can be tricky - it's easy to fall in love with your pet, but it's important not to get attached if allergies may be an issue.

Long Term Care
Different breeds are prone to different kinds of health issues. This can affect the kind of care you need to give them as they age. For instance, many breeds, including popular ones like the Golden Retriever, are prone to hip dysplasia, a joint ailment that can cause significant mobility problems. This gets worse with overweight dogs and with age. If you adopt a breed that's prone to these issues, you may have to carefully maintain your dog's weight or provide more involved care as your pet ages. Make sure that you're willing to do this.

Personality
Once you've narrowed down the generalities, you can start thinking about the individual dog. The way you adopt will probably have a big effect on this. Most people who adopt from a breeder will be looking for breed and genetics first. Most people adopting from a shelter will be choosing the individual dog, then researching whether that dog is right for them. There's nothing worse than finding a dog you love, only to discover that he or she is incompatible with your health issues, home size, or existing pets, after all.

Either way, you're going to need to meet a few dogs. Visit the person or organization you'll be adopting from, and ask to get to know the pets they have available. Don't just choose on looks, breed, or immediate friendliness. Remember that the bouncy one could be a real problem at home, and the shy one might turn out to be a real sweetheart. Don't make snap judgements if you can - spend some time getting to know the dogs or puppies you're thinking about adopting to find the one that "clicks" for you. The end result will be a pet that you can keep for life.