| There comes a time for most families to add a | | | | has a reputation for being good with children. If you |
| four-legged friend to the household. This decision is | | | | want a good watch dog, choose a breed that has a |
| not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed | | | | natural guard instinct. |
| of dog can be the difference between complete | | | | After answering these questions, you can look |
| happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have | | | | through any dog breed book and start comparing the |
| outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a | | | | qualities you're looking for to the breeds listed. Write |
| dog into my home and I recommend these steps to | | | | down at least 5 breeds that fit your needs. The next |
| my friends and family. | | | | step is to research reputable breeders in your area (I |
| A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you | | | | recommend calling your local veterinarian first) and |
| are willing to put up with. You are going to have to | | | | make contact with at least 3 for each breed. Yes, |
| deal with your dog's hair in some fashion. He will | | | | this will take time. But it is worth it to get the right |
| either shed or require grooming. It's a time vs. money | | | | dog. Interview each breeder thoroughly and share |
| question. You can always take the middle ground, | | | | with them your list of qualities. Ask them if they |
| though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple | | | | would recommend their breed to you and if so, why. |
| times of year. | | | | If not, why not? The breeder will be the expert on |
| The next thing to consider is how much time you | | | | their breed and can prove to be a very valuable |
| have to devote to walks and playtime? Some breeds | | | | resource. |
| require a great deal of daily exercise. Without it, they | | | | Once you have completed your research for all |
| can become very destructive. Choosing a breed with | | | | breeds, you will have a much clearer picture of which |
| an energy level that fits your family's time | | | | breed is right for you and your family. And, you have |
| commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems. | | | | already interviewed breeders so you should have |
| Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering | | | | found at least one that you feel comfortable |
| the size of dog you must really think about the cost | | | | purchasing a dog from. If you don't want a puppy, |
| of maintaining the dog. It costs a great deal more to | | | | please consider going through a breed rescue |
| feed a St. Bernard than it does a Chihuahua. Medical | | | | organization or your local animal shelter. There are so |
| expenses requiring anesthesia will also be greater as | | | | many great dogs of all ages and breed type in |
| physicians charge by weight. Boarding kennels and | | | | desperate need of good homes. Your home may |
| groomers may charge by weight as well. The general | | | | just be the perfect match! |
| rule is, the larger the dog, the more expensive it will | | | | I hope you find these tips helpful in your journey to |
| be to care for him. | | | | finding the perfect dog. Take your time, do your |
| What type of temperament are you looking for? If | | | | research and you will find the companion best suited |
| you have kids, you will want to choose a breed that | | | | for your family. Best of luck! |