Dog Breeds: choosing the best dog breed for you and your family

There is a vast array of dog breeds out there for you to choose from so how do you decide which dog breed is the best for you and your family? Some dog breeds have characteristics that may suit your lifestyle but others may not. Consider the following factors when deciding on the right breed for you.

Firstly, don’t buy on impulse. Although this can work, in the majority of cases it doesn’t. If you aren’t aware of the problems associated with particular dog breeds then you may have unexpected problems at a later stage. All dog breeds have their positives and negatives and you should be aware of them before bringing that puppy home.

Think about the characteristics of the dog you want to have in your house. The huge number of dog breeds mean that you will have a lot to choose from so set up a list of requirements beforehand. Consider the following:

  • Size – Small, medium or large? A small dog will be cheaper to feed but may not suit an active family. If you are thinking of a large dog consider the cost factors and the size of your home and garden.
  • Grooming – Will you have the time to groom your dog? A short-haired dog will require only minimal grooming requirements. A long-haired dog will require daily grooming habits and possible costs associated with professional grooming.
  • Guard dog – Do you want a dog that will bark at intruders and help to protect your family? This shouldn’t be your only reason for having a dog.
  • Activity level – Do you want an active dog? If you jog daily or have older children then an active dog breed may suit but ensure that you have an ample yard for your dog to play in.
  • Dog training – Some dogs are more difficult to train than others.

Read as much as you can about dog breeds. As you read you will find that one or two breed’s particularly stand out for you. Ensure that you  read not only about a particular dog breed’s  characteristics but also any possible health problems associated with the breed. You don’t want to be surprised later on when your dog needs hip surgery when your research could have shown you that this is a particular health problem in this breed.

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