7 tips to help you choose your pawfect canine companion
Welcoming a dog into their forever home is one of the most exciting and heart-warming things any pet lover will do. But with around 300 dog breeds to choose from, research is essential to make sure you end up with a dog that’s right for you. Many first-time dog owners choose a breed based on their looks or current trends, but cute puppies grow into bigger dogs and fashion always changes, so making a choice based on the dogs needs and your ability to meet them is the best way forward. Here are seven things to consider when deciding which dog is the best fit for your lifestyle.
How active are you?
As puppies, most dogs often require a minimal amount of exercise while they’re still growing. However, as they get bigger, the recommended amount of exercise varies wildly between breeds. Border Collies, for example, which are selectively bred to be working dogs, can require upwards of two hours a day. Smaller breeds such a Pugs, are typically fine with less than an hour and are generally happy to laze around a little more.
Grooming commitment
Are you happy vacumning dog hair regularly? Do you prefer a low maintenance coat that doesn’t require frequent brushing and trips to the groomers? These should be considerations in deciding what dog you get. All dogs have varying levels of grooming needs so thinking about what you’re happy to commit to can help you narrow it down to certain breeds.
Puppy vs Rescue Dog
Are you wanting to go through the cute puppy phase with your new canine companion or do you want to give a rescue dog their new start in life? Both are equally valid choices. Rescue dogs often come with a unique set of needs based on their individual circumstances, so having a good understanding of how to meet those needs is vital. That’s not to say puppies are easier – far from it! You’re inviting a baby animal into your home after all and giving them the best start to make sure they grow into happy, well-adjusted, and confident dogs is also hugely important.
Your living arrangements and lifestyle
Do you live in a flat or a house? Do you have access to a garden? Ideally, all dogs should have access to outdoor space where they can toilet, run around, sniff and explore. Our living situations, however, are all different. A more active breed is less likely to suit being cooped up in a flat without outdoor access, whereas a smaller toy breed, might be okay with snoozing the day away. Do you work have a job that means you can give the dog the time they need, or will you be spending long hours away?
Meeting the needs of the breed
All dogs have been selectively bred over many years for specific purposes. Working breeds, for example, will often require a lot more mental stimulation (as well as physical) and enrichment to keep frustration at bay. Companion breeds have been bred to enjoy spending lots of time with people, so can easily suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Committing to training
At least a basic level of training is essential for all dogs. Whether it’s learning to walk without pulling on the lead, coming back when called or not jumping up on visitors, training helps dogs to navigate our complicated human world and means less stress for us as owners. Training requires patience, practice and persistence, so it’s worth looking into what it entails before decided on a dog. While all breeds are trainable, some breeds such as Golden Retriever’s, Labradors and German Shepherds (to name a few) have a reputation for picking up training more quickly, which is why they’re often used in service roles.
Breed health
Many different breeds are known to be prone to various ailments. Flat faced breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs frequently suffer with respiratory issues, while Labradors can often develop hip dysplasia. Of course, it is often down to luck and genetics, but understanding these natural predispositions can help you up the potential for future vet visits, the cost of pet insurance, etc.
It’s worth noting that breeds don’t always display the characteristics they’re known for – you could end up with a super lazy Border Collie or an adrenaline junkie Pug. However, breeding is often a good indicator of what you can expect from a dog and one of the best ways to make an informed decision about which breed is best for you.
Take a look at the DogTime directory of breeds to start your research today!
