October 23rd, 2010 by Jenny

Often, people pick their dogs because they think they are cute – or perhaps they like ‘the look’ of the dog.  When you are getting a dog however, remember, that they are not a piece of furniture or an accessory to your home.  What you might not be thinking about today is that puppies turn into dogs – and they might not be so cute then! When you are picking out a dog, while maybe appearance should be one way to choose your dog, you need to take other factors such as your lifestyle into consideration.  While you may think that your cute little puppy is the best thing in the world, you also need to understand that the care and feeding of your dog is of prime importance. Your lifestyle should help you decide what type of dog is best suited for your household, and a few simple questions can help you make that decision.

If you have children in your home, how old are they?

Some breeds do not do well with very small children, especially most toy breeds.  Over-eager kids can unwittingly hurt a small dog.  Some other breeds just don’t have the patience for children’s antics.  Are your children ready to help with the care of the dog?  Dog ownership teaches children responsibility, and therefore can be very positive, but if you feel your children’s interest in the dog will fade, perhaps it would be better to wait. 

How much space do you have?

All dogs love to play and need exercise, the question is, how much space do they need?  Typically, larger breeds of dogs need lots of space and smaller dogs are content with less space.  But all dogs are unique and sometimes the opposite is true.  Be realistic about how large your home is and what its limits are.

What is your activity level?

Dogs need exercise – that is a fact of life.  While you might think that getting a dog will make you more active, chances are that is not really the case.  Remember, your dog is going to want to spend at least 15-20 minutes walking – and they may want to do this several times a day.  This is especially true of you do not have a yard that is suitable for letting them run either free or on a run. 

How much time do you have?

If you have a particularly busy schedule that means you cannot take your dog out regularly and play with him, etc., then you might be best suited to a lap dog.  If you are the type who engages in outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, jogging or even walking, then a dog that is active and loves the outdoors might be perfect for you.  Your dog should fit your lifestyle – a lap dog who never wants to leave his bed is perfect for those who do not do a lot of outside activities. Those who are extremely active most likely want a breed who will be a companion for those activities.

After you have answered all these questions, you should have a good idea of your limitations and expectations.  Narrowing down to the right dog breed for you will be easier.  The last two considerations, adult dog size and grooming, should eliminate more possibilities and get you down to one or two options.

Full Grown Dogs

Once you’ve determined what your lifestyle is like using the questions above, you should know what size dog you can have.  But also consider other physical aspects of owning a dog.  For instance, the body structure and weight of the dog.  Dogs like bulldogs and bassett hounds do not appear large, but they can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, and may have trouble with going up and down stairs or jumping into and out of cars.  Do you have the strength to lift such a dog?  Also, will you be able to handle the physical problems that can come with certain breeds, such as hip dysplasia in large breeds?  Families with children and semi-active adults are usually best off with a mid-sized dog that won’t knock over furniture and children easily.

Grooming

Whether you believe it or not this should be a major consideration for all potential dog owners.  Longer hair breeds require regular brushing and in some cases will require frequent bathing.  Even short hair dogs who shed will mean that you have got to vacuum your carpets and furniture more regularly.  If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, they are liable to require more frequent baths and brushing.  Before you purchase a dog take this into consideration – you want your dog to stay healthy looking and this means proper grooming.  Your house will be over-run with dog hairs if you do not pick a breed that works for your cleaning habits
You might not think so, but making the decision to get a dog is like the decision to have a baby. They both entail a lifelong commitment.  A dog that fits into your lifestyle will become not only a best friend and companion but you will get the added benefit of unconditional love in return for the care you give your dog.

Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper hunting dog supplies. Some great products out on the market include Dog Tracking Collars and Dog Training Collars.