What Dog Breed Is Best For Me?

Are you a dog lover who is thinking about getting a dog? Choosing the right dog breed depends on many things but the two major factors are your lifestyle and living arrangements. Before even considering what type of dog breed is best for you, be sure you are ready for a life-long commitment that requires time, attention and responsibility.

Here are some other things to consider before choosing one of the various dog breeds:

Can you afford it? Owning a dog can cost from $700 - $3000 a year. If your dog suffers from a health condition you could end up spending even more.

Is your home appropriate for the type of dog you want? If you live in a one-room apartment, choosing a Saint Bernard or Great Dane probably certainly isn't the best dog breed.

Does our lifestyle fit a dog? Do you go on vacations for weeks at a time? Are you on-call 24/7? Do you have someone who can take care of the dog when your not around? These are some of the questions to ask yourself before choosing to become a dog owner.

Do you or anyone in the family suffer from allergies or have physical limitations? If so, you could still be a dog owner but it certainly narrow the various dog breeds that are best.

Now that you want to be a dog owner, consider your expected new "dog-owner" lifestyle and match it to the size, weight and energy level before choosing the right dog breed.

When considering the size of the dog, remember that small dogs tend to be delicate and vulnerable. They also tend to be more sensitive to colder temperatures and require obedience training. Very large dog breeds need more room to get around, are more expensive (dog food, dog supplies) and can cause damage to household items. If you aren't too sure if either sized dog breed fits, choosing a mid-sized dog breed is probably the smartest choice.

The next thing to consider when choosing the right dog breed is the activity level. Some dogs have more energy than others but all dogs require routine exercise. If you don't want to commit to a dog that needs more than two walks per dog, one that has a lower energy level is for you, (e.g.Basset Hound). If you're looking for a dog to jog or go hiking with you'll need a dog breed with high energy like a Border Collie. Be aware that many behavior problems in dogs are the result of excess energy.

When it comes to grooming, short haired dogs tend to shed less and are better if you suffer allergies. But shedding problems of long-haired dogs can be minimized with consistent grooming.

When it comes to choosing the age of the dog remember that puppies will require extra attention and training. Puppies will also have a higher energy level that older dogs. But don't forget the adult and senior dogs - they are just as loving and in almost all cases need loving owners to adopt them from pet shelters.

Remember, there is a lot more to choosing the right dog breed than picking the most popular dog breeds.


source: about.com