Dog's Help

So you have finally decided that you want a pet dog and that you are willing to handle all the responsibilities that come along. Congratulations on your decision! The next step is to decide which kind of dog you want. How do you select the right one?

The major factors that directly influence your choice are size, coat, grooming, shedding, energy level, trainability, temperament, and security needs. Arrange these factors in order of your priority and then narrow down your search as you go down the list.

Size

Do you want a big strong Great Dane or St. Bernard? Or a cute little toy poodle? Or would you prefer a medium sized dog? Large dogs are great if you are high spirited but be aware that large dogs require large open spaces to move around and keep their limbs active. Gardens are perfect but large apartments are fine too. If you are a jogger and an outdoors person you would prefer a big dog for company.

Small dogs can do with smaller spaces like a one-bedroom apartment. They can be good indoor companions you are looking for. Smaller the size, lesser the expenses! Check your budget if you want larger dogs.

Energy level

You would want a dog that matches your energy level. If the dog is hyperactive and you are not, you have a problem. Or it could be the other way - you want to go jogging but he prefers watching TV with a kid in the house. Activity levels depend on the breed you choose. Chihuahuas and dachshunds have calm demeanors while terriers are highly active.

But every dog, active or not, needs exercise. You need to spare time for two walks a day.

Grooming

Some dogs need more grooming than others depending on their coat and shedding. More the hair, more the maintenance. Some dogs shed a lot of hair; you'll need to do a lot of cleaning up. Check whether you really have the time to look after the high-maintenance dogs. Some dogs like mastiffs and bloodhounds drool more than others. You'll need to wipe them frequently.

Temperament

Do you prefer a quiet dog or one who is likely to be a good watchdog? German Shepherds, American Staffordshire terriers and Dobermans are great guard dogs. But avoid the ones that are known to bite. They could land you in legal trouble.

Select the right breed of dog according to these needs. You could even go for mixed-breed dogs. The looks and temperaments of the two breeds balance out in the offspring.

Finally you need to decide the age of the dog you wish to adopt. Puppies obviously need more training and more attention, but you get the pleasure of watching them grow. Older dogs are good choices if you want to know in advance their temperament, attitude and energy level. If you have a compassionate heart, you could well consider adopting senior dogs.