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Choosing the right breed of dog for your family
There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend
to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly.
Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between
complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have
outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into
my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.
A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you are willing
to put up with. You are going to have to deal with your dog's
hair in some fashion. He will either shed or require grooming.
It's a time vs. money question. You can always take the middle
ground, though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple
times of year.
The next thing to consider is how much time you have to devote
to walks and playtime? Some breeds require a great deal of daily
exercise. Without it, they can become very destructive. Choosing
a breed with an energy level that fits your family's time
commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems.
Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering the size of
dog you must really think about the cost of maintaining the dog.
It costs a great deal more to feed a St. Bernard than it does a
Chihuahua. Medical expenses requiring anesthesia will also be
greater as physicians charge by weight. Boarding kennels and
groomers may charge by weight as well. The general rule is, the
larger the dog, the more expensive it will be to care for him.
What type of temperament are you looking for? If you have kids,
you will want to choose a breed that has a reputation for being
good with children. If you want a good watch dog, choose a breed
that has a natural guard instinct.
After answering these questions, you can look through any dog
breed book and start comparing the qualities you're looking for
to the breeds listed. Write down at least 5 breeds that fit your
needs. The next step is to research reputable breeders in your
area (I recommend calling your local veterinarian first) and
make contact with at least 3 for each breed. Yes, this will take
time. But it is worth it to get the right dog. Interview each
breeder thoroughly and share with them your list of qualities.
Ask them if they would recommend their breed to you and if so,
why. If not, why not? The breeder will be the expert on their
breed and can prove to be a very valuable resource.
Once you have completed your research for all breeds, you will
have a much clearer picture of which breed is right for you and
your family. And, you have already interviewed breeders so you
should have found at least one that you feel comfortable
purchasing a dog from. If you don't want a puppy, please
consider going through a breed rescue organization or your local
animal shelter. There are so many great dogs of all ages and
breed type in desperate need of good homes. Your home may just
be the perfect match!
I hope you find these tips helpful in your journey to finding
the perfect dog. Take your time, do your research and you will
find the companion best suited for your family. Best of luck!
About the author:
Jennifer Tarzian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Psychology. Her experience includes sales, dog training, and
managing a small corporation. She is proud to be a stay-at-home
mom and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
http://www.youngparentsmagazine.com
Written by: Jennifer Tarzian
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