Select the Right Breed of Dog

3 Parts:

How to Select the Right Breed of Dog

Tips

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Deciding on having a dog for a companion is a huge undertaking. Purebred dogs are sometimes easier to raise and train because experts believe that you know what you will get when the bloodline is pure. This may be true, but knowing which breed is right for you is even more taxing. You have to know the important details that will make dog ownership a happy experience for you.

The breed of dog that you welcome into your life is not a gamble. You should make a definite choice, whether the dog is adopted or procured from a reputable breeder. The dog you choose should be compatible with your lifestyle and the level of care that you can provide. Once you find the right dog breed, you can never go wrong as a dog owner. So breathe and take your time in discerning which breed of dog suits you or your entire family. The right dog breed is out there for you "� waiting.

The American Kennel Club has at least 160 breeds of dogs recognized and registered. You can narrow down your search by using the following tips in selecting the right breed of dog for you or your family:

1. 1
   Know the ideal size that you can handle

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   It's a given that all puppies are cute. With this, you have to ask yourself if you will still want to take care of the adult version of that puppy. There are puppies that grow into tiny dogs and others grow into a size larger than your sofa. Choose a breed that will thrive well in the space or the budget that you have. It isn't a given that large spaces are only for large dogs. There are also small dogs that need a wide running space to play in.

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2. 2
   Gauge the temperament

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   Every dog breed has a distinct personality. You have to make sure that you know this part of the dog before you make any drastic decisions. You will be living with your dog for years, so you have to make sure that you know how the dog will spend an entire day. Understand the breed's need for attention, level of protectiveness, level of energy, and overall demeanor when it comes to other animals or people. If the breed is known for aggression, maybe it's best suited for more experienced pet owners.

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3. 3
   Prepare for grooming requirements

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   Every dog has a specific need for grooming. However, it is a basic requirement for your to make sure that your dog's coat is clean and healthy. Most breeds shed. If you prefer a short-haired breed because it seems less likely to shed, do more thorough research. Many short-haired varieties shed. Some shed all year, a percentage sheds a little, and others shed off large clumps of fur. Shedding is a problem for those who suffer from respiratory allergies like asthma so you have to search for a breed that sheds very little or doesn't shed at all. If you want a long-coated dog, you have to prepare yourself for extensive and costly grooming. Most busy people prefer short-coated or hairless breeds for easy maintenance. However, these dogs should be well protected from extreme weather changes.

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4. 4
   Determine what gender you prefer

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   Male and female dogs generally have the same temperament, especially if you have them neutered or spayed. If you want to breed or show your dog, you have to take control of unplanned breeding. If the female undergoes her heat cycle, separate her from all other dogs. Male dogs become very erratic around females in heat. Separate the males as well to prevent fights over the female.

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5. 5
   Figure out the age

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   Adult dogs have fewer needs than puppies. If your lifestyle demands less time for a dog, then choose a more mature breed. It is an advantage to have puppies first for some people. If you raise puppies, you become a pet parent the moment the puppy is separated from the mother. You take part in molding the dog the puppy will become. However, doing this takes patience and time, especially during potty training and basic obedience.

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6. 6
   Assess the time you have

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   Dogs require time and attention. You also have to spend time exercising them. If you really want a dog and you're just too busy, the experience may motivate you to have time to smell the coffee every day instead of burying yourself in work.

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7. 7
   Look for good pet insurance policies

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   It is practical to avail of pet insurance so that you can be ready for any injuries or health problems that may arise.

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8. 8
   See if the breed's trainability level is what you want

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   Know which breed can be trained easily. There are breeds that are stubborn and they take a lot of patience and time to train.

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9. 9
   Understand the health status

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   Be sure to do research on the breed's health status and medical conditions. More than a handful of breeds are usually screened for medical conditions such as eye issues or hip dysplasia. If you're educated with the breed's health quirks, you will be able to veer away from aggravated health complications in the future.

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Keep these in mind when you go and search for your dream breed. You can go to dog shows or look for reputable breeders in your area to find the breed that you deem right for you and your family.

• Consult reputable breeders about their dogs so that you can have an idea of what to expect from their breed.
• Assess your overall budget first before you get a specific breed.
• Secure all documents for the breed of dog you choose.
• Consider adopting from rescue centers or shelters.
• Do not buy from commercial pet stores.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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