Things You Should Know Before Getting a Dog

People often choose a dog simply based upon looks, which is a natural enough tendancy, but there is so much more to consider than physical appearance alone. Taking the time to understand these other points can save a lot of heartache and also poor dogs becoming unwanted due to owners rushing in and selecting a dog they simply like the look of. This is important, especially with abandoned dog numbers reaching record highs and dog shelters becoming overrun with unwanted pets. And of course when choosing a dog for a family with young kids, it becomes even more important to choose carefully. Here we will run through some important considerations.

Mixed Breed, Crossbreed or Pedigree?

From its origins in the wolf, there are over 300 recognised dog breeds worldwide, with over 200 in the UK alone. Adding to these numbers are the countless mixed breeds and crossbreeds in existence, a number that is rising.

• Pedigree. Pedigree or pure bred dogs offer the advantage of predictability regarding certain characteristics and traits, such as temperament, size, hair length, energy levels and even susceptibility to illnesses. The latter can be important, as excessive inbreeding has led some breeds to adopt congenital health problems.
• Crossbreeds. Dogs with parents from two different pure breeds can often be predictable also, but to a lesser extent. It will be uncertain which breed's character will be passed on.
• Mixed Breeds. Commonly known as mongrels, these come from a non-pedigree background. Sometimes it is possible to see traces of the parentage and other times not, and many people consider owning a unique dog an advantage. From a genetic viewpoint, mixed breeds are often healthier because they come from a larger gene pool with fewer hereditary problems.

Puppy or Adult?

We all love puppies and there may be nothing cuter, but then we also feel our heartstrings pull when faced with a sad-eyed stray sitting in an animal shelter.

• Puppies. As well as being adorable, raising a dog from puppy age can make sure it is raised correctly in a loving and stable environment. You would need to spend some time on obedience and toilet toilet training and would more than likely buy from a breeder.
• Adult dogs. Adopted adult dogs can become adored companions and offer the advantage of coming with a good deal of training and socialisation. The downside is that they can also come with some emotional baggage if they have been mistreated, which will take time and patience to resolve. However, adopting a dog from an animal shelter can be very rewarding.

Bear in mind that most dogs are fairly active as puppies and will become calmer with age.

Dog or bitch?

There are probably as many varied opinions here as there are breeds! Some owners insist that bitches are easier to train and offer more affection, whereas others say they can be are independent and aloof. Male dogs can often be more assertive (which neutering can rectify) but there are no hard and fast rules because all breeds are different and all dogs are individuals anyway. In either case, neutering of dogs and spaying of bitches can retify many problems, such as stopping males roaming in search of females in season, and phantom or unwanted pregnancies. Unless you intend to breed from your dog, then it doesn't really matter which you choose.

Large or Small Dog?

Selecting a dog by size is not as wise as choosing one by breed, but size will help indicate useful pointers such as expected energy levels, required living conditions, exercise needs and even possible health concerns. For example, large dogs may be more suited to larger, rural homes rather than small urban flats or apartments. In addition, larger dogs excrete more than smaller ones, which may have an effect of living conditions. Larger dogs tend to be more expensive to keep as they require more food, and more of medications such as tick and flea preventives.

What Temperament?

Although all dogs are individuals and personalities can vary, there is such a thing as breed personality. This will be greatly affected by the history of the breed, the tasks for which they were bred and the skills they acquired along the way. For example, dogs that were bred for herding or hunting may have very high energy levels, while those bred as lap dogs will not. Some dogs will be more tolerant and will get along with children and other pets, whereas others may need proper training and early socialisation. Ideally owners should strive to choose a dog with a temperament to match their own. Naturally quiet people will not be terribly well suited to hyperactive dogs that may bark excessively, and active people with a taste for the outdoors thay may want a hiking companion would not be wise in choosing a sedentary breed such as a Basset Hound.

Rescue Dogs?

Choosing a dog from a rescue centre or shelter can be a very rewarding experience for both a dog and an owner. However, it is possible that a dog in this situation may have had some poor experiences with their former families and perhaps also with children. In this case, breeds that are normally very good with families with kids may prove not to be the best choice. They may be scared or defensive in certain situations and around children, which could prove dangerous. Therefore it is important to ensure that you know all there is to know about the background of any dog that you are considering obtaining from a rescue shelter. It is also a good idea to tell the centre about your circumstances. After all, they should know their dogs and should be able to suggest one to fit your family.

Your Lifestyle?

Your particular lifestyle should be taken into account when choosing a dog. Choose a dog to suit your lifestyle. If you work long hours and may need to leave the dog alone for extended periods of time, then choose a breed that can handle this rather than those that were bred as companions. If you won't have time to walk it every day, choose one with low exercise requirements. Similarly if you want company on hikes, runs or bike rides, then go for a highly active breed.

• Children. Do you have kids? Most dogs will get along fine with children if they are raised alongside them, and breed characteristics apart, all dogs are individuals and need to be judged on their character. However, some breeds are more suitable for kids than others. Some can possess a protective streak and may become aggressive towards children at meal times, which should not be tolerated. They may also be aggressive to unfamiliar children. Some breeds may try to dominate kids instead of accepting the pack order, and others will not put up with children pulling their ears and generally playing rough. If you have kids, avoid breeds that tend to have dominance streaks and short tempers.
• Allergies. Do you suffer from allergies? People often think they are allergic to dog hair, but in reality it is the dander - dead skin flakes that are continually being shed. When airbore, this can be inhaled and may cause an allergic reaction (itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing or wheezing). If you are allergic to dander but still want a dog, then opt for a low shedding breed because they produce less dander. If you have your heart set on a particular breed that isn't low shedding, try spending some time with one to check whether you will have a reaction.

Why do you want a dog?

Is there a specific reason why you want a dog other than for companionship? The simple reason there are so many breeds in existence is because they were bred to fill specific roles, from lap dogs to gun dogs. You may simply want a dog for protection. This doesn't necessarily mean you need a big dog because dogs can serve as watch dogs or guard dogs. A watch dog will bark and raise the alarm when a stranger nears your property, and many small breeds suit this role well. A guard dog needs to look the part and be intimidating and able to protect his family if the situation arises.

Do you have time for a dog?

This is perhaps one of the most important questions to ask yourself when choosing a dog. You may really want one, but do you actually have time for a dog?

• Exercise. All dogs need some form of regular exercise to help remain healthy, although different breeds have different exercise requirements. A daily walk should be a minimum, a run even better, but most of the small breeds, such as toy dogs, will often meet the majority of their exercise requirements simply by walking, running and playing around indoors. At the other end of the scale, some breeds are so energetic they require far more exercise and can be almost impossible to wear out. Without a good long daily walk and run, their pent up energy will quite likely manifest itself in destructive behaviour.
• Training. All dogs can be trained to some degree, and despite whatever level owners choose to train their dog to, all dogs should be taught the basic commands (no, sit, heel etc). Some breeds are more intelligent than others and will learn a lot faster, although intelligence alone is not the only factor. Some breeds may be headstrong and more difficult to train.
• Grooming. Most dogs shed dead hair but the degree to which they do this can vary greatly from breed to breed, which not only impacts on the required grooming levels but also on housework to clear up the mess caused. In addition, medium to high shedding dogs are generally not suitable for those with allergies. Although it is the dander, or dead skin flakes, that are the problem and not the hair, low shedding dog breeds tend to produce less dander. Dogs with short coats require far less grooming, often just an occasional brush and wipe down siffices compared to the regular clipping and brushing required for dogs with longer coats. Show dogs and long coat dogs often require daily brushing otherwise the hair will tangle and matt, which can be painful as well as unsightly. Short coats are also an advantage when finding and dealing with fleas or ticks.

As you can see, there are many factors other than the look of a breed to consider when choosing a dog. Try to keep these in mind when rifling through the various dog breeds.

Source: Internet