Types of Dog Breeds
Dogs that have been bred to look and act a certain way are known as purebred. If you choose a purebred puppy, you will be able to find out how big it will grow and what sort of dog it will be. Some dogs on the other hand are a mix of different breeds, and it's more difficult to guess what a mixed breed puppy will be and look like when it grows up. However, mixed breeds can be healthier and live longer than some purebred dogs.
Either a purebred or a mix, get to know a dog to see what it's like. Each and every litter has pups born with different energy and dominance levels. You need to choose a dog whose energy level matches or is similar your own. If your family is not very active, choose a pup with a lower energy level. If you are a laid back family, choose a pup with a lower dominance level, or it will end up becoming the pack leader.
I always did some quizzes that showed me which dog was right for me. Here are a few you can try: Dog Breed Selector Quiz, What's My Perfect Dog?
Either a purebred or a mix, get to know a dog to see what it's like. Each and every litter has pups born with different energy and dominance levels. You need to choose a dog whose energy level matches or is similar your own. If your family is not very active, choose a pup with a lower energy level. If you are a laid back family, choose a pup with a lower dominance level, or it will end up becoming the pack leader.
I always did some quizzes that showed me which dog was right for me. Here are a few you can try: Dog Breed Selector Quiz, What's My Perfect Dog?
 |
|
What Kind of Dog Should You Get?
Are you looking for a puppy?
Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment. If you can't take the time to spend time with it every day, then it is not a good time to get a puppy. If you may not be ready for all the responsibility that comes with a puppy, an adult dog could be a better option for you. They are more predictable and don't require as much work.
How much time can you spend with your dog?
Dogs need socialization. Being left out in the backyard alone several hours day will cause problems that may be hard to fix. You must be committed to spending time with your dog.
How much space can you provide it?
Some large dogs will be okay in a small apartment and some small dogs may not. Make sure your dog has a sufficient amount of space by taking into consideration their energy level and size.
How much money can you spend?
You will have to buy food, dogs supplies, replace anything the dog outgrows or may damage or destroy, any medical expenses, and more.
How much exercise can you give it?
If you're not as athletic or don't have much time, you should look for less active dogs that can get enough exercise in your home or from short walks.
How much training can you do?
Regardless of breed, every dog needs training. It needs limitations, boundaries, and rules. A dog with no boundaries can end up running your home.
How much grooming can you do?
Some dogs shed little and others shed a lot. Some grow out long fur that needs trimming, some don't have hair at all but require sunscreen.
What characteristics do you want in a dog?
Find a dog with characteristics that appeal to you. If you like jogging or hiking, find a dog that does too! Do you want a dog that is friendly or one that is more reserved? Are you interested in doing: obedience, agility, hunting, herding, etc. with this dog? Look towards what kind of person you are to pick the best dog for you.
Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment. If you can't take the time to spend time with it every day, then it is not a good time to get a puppy. If you may not be ready for all the responsibility that comes with a puppy, an adult dog could be a better option for you. They are more predictable and don't require as much work.
How much time can you spend with your dog?
Dogs need socialization. Being left out in the backyard alone several hours day will cause problems that may be hard to fix. You must be committed to spending time with your dog.
How much space can you provide it?
Some large dogs will be okay in a small apartment and some small dogs may not. Make sure your dog has a sufficient amount of space by taking into consideration their energy level and size.
How much money can you spend?
You will have to buy food, dogs supplies, replace anything the dog outgrows or may damage or destroy, any medical expenses, and more.
How much exercise can you give it?
If you're not as athletic or don't have much time, you should look for less active dogs that can get enough exercise in your home or from short walks.
How much training can you do?
Regardless of breed, every dog needs training. It needs limitations, boundaries, and rules. A dog with no boundaries can end up running your home.
How much grooming can you do?
Some dogs shed little and others shed a lot. Some grow out long fur that needs trimming, some don't have hair at all but require sunscreen.
What characteristics do you want in a dog?
Find a dog with characteristics that appeal to you. If you like jogging or hiking, find a dog that does too! Do you want a dog that is friendly or one that is more reserved? Are you interested in doing: obedience, agility, hunting, herding, etc. with this dog? Look towards what kind of person you are to pick the best dog for you.
Choosing a Puppy
If you choose to get a puppy as your first dog, you and the puppy will need early training to prevent future problems. You should wait until the puppy is 8 weeks before taking it from its mother.
Puppies learn bite inhibition from the mom & litter mates; they are more likely be biters if separated too early and/or get very clingy because they haven't learned to be independent. Usually those dogs bond very strongly to only one person and are afraid/aggressive towards other people.
Puppies learn bite inhibition from the mom & litter mates; they are more likely be biters if separated too early and/or get very clingy because they haven't learned to be independent. Usually those dogs bond very strongly to only one person and are afraid/aggressive towards other people.
- When choosing a puppy, consider the size. Looking at the size of its paws is a good indicator of how large the puppy will get.
- Take a look at the length of its fur. Longer and thicker fur means more care.
- Test out the temperament of the puppy. Roll them gently on their back and see how they respond to being handled, lifted, and so on. If it's willing to be held, you probably have a more people oriented puppy that is willing to please. If it wiggles around, bites at you, you may have a more independent puppy that may be more of a challenge to train.
- Hold their paw. If they pull away or nip at your fingers, it means this puppy prefers control. Whereas a more submissive one will ignore or lick your hand.
- Take the puppy to a room it has never seen. If it stays near you it shows that it prefers security and may be timid, whereas one that wanders away is okay with new environments. Leave the room for a few moments. If you hear the puppy cry or scratch at the door it means it prefers not being alone.
- Test out how it is with food. Pet the dog with it while it's eating food. Then with an object begin to pull the food away. If the puppy growls or snaps at the object, it may have a food guarding issue that will need to be addressed.
- Is the dog motivated by food, play, or affection? Test it out by seeing how it reacts to treats, love, and toys. This will help to know when you begin training.
(Adult Dogs Deserve Love Too)
Puppies may be cute and cuddly but elderly and adult dogs deserve love as well. If this is your first dog, and you may not be ready for all the responsibility that comes with a puppy, an adult dog could be a better option for you. They are more predictable and don't require as much work.
Elderly and adult dogs that end up in animal shelters don't usually end up there because of being aggressive. Some end up there because their owners couldn't afford to have them any longer, sometimes their owners were deceased and their dog couldn't go anywhere but an animal shelter.
Just because they already had past with another family doesn't mean you can't love them and they can't love you. They'll love to join your family.
Elderly and adult dogs that end up in animal shelters don't usually end up there because of being aggressive. Some end up there because their owners couldn't afford to have them any longer, sometimes their owners were deceased and their dog couldn't go anywhere but an animal shelter.
Just because they already had past with another family doesn't mean you can't love them and they can't love you. They'll love to join your family.
