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