| If choosing dog is such a straight forward | | | | energetic, submissive, affectionate, |
| process, and it is, how come so many puppies | | | | protective, quiet, funny or sociable. Try to |
| find their way into adoption centres every | | | | match them to the characteristics of your |
| year? Well one reason is that people choose | | | | family members. Your dog will fit in much |
| the wrong dog breed. | | | | better if you do. |
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| Don't let your puppy become a statistic. Make | | | | Finding The Right Dog Breed |
| it your goal to choose a puppy suited to your | | | | |
| family and circumstances. Think about your | | | | Once you have answered these questions it is |
| previous experience of owning a dog and the | | | | time to go out and find the right dog breed |
| amount of time you have for training, | | | | for you. The internet is a great place to |
| grooming and exercising. Look at your health | | | | start. Just go to your favourite search |
| including possible allergies, your financial | | | | engine and type in something like "dog breed |
| resources and the amount of space in your | | | | information" or "dog breeds" and you will |
| house and yard. Most of all work out how much | | | | find some excellent sites giving detailed |
| time you have for a dog. | | | | information about each breed. |
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| Of all the different factors in choosing a | | | | Note the characteristics of the different |
| the right dog breed, among the most important | | | | breeds. What is best for your situation: |
| is the relationship you want with your dog. | | | | large or small, male or female, purebred or |
| Some breeds by nature are rather aloof and | | | | mix? Short coat or shaggy coat? A dog needing |
| elegant, others are independent and energetic | | | | lots or little exercise? A lot or little |
| while others are dependent or submissive. If | | | | daily grooming? Think through your choices in |
| you want to do specialized training, consider | | | | detail and compare this information to your |
| breeds known for courage and trainability. If | | | | requirements and make a short list. |
| you want an affectionate pet, choose a breed | | | | |
| that typically likes to be close to its | | | | Next ask people you trust about the dog |
| people. | | | | breeds you are interested in. Ask friends, |
| | | | family members and co-workers for suggestions |
| To ensure that your puppy fits in with your | | | | of dog breeds they think would be good for |
| lifestyle begin by asking yourself these | | | | you and your family. Ask them to be honest |
| questions:a) How much time can I spend with | | | | about the good points and bad points of the |
| my dog, a social creature who craves | | | | breeds they suggest. Visit dog training |
| companionship? - If your time is limited | | | | schools and breeders and ask about the dogs |
| don't get a breed which can become dependent | | | | your think may be suitable. Follow up on and |
| on their owners.b) How much exercise can I | | | | meet the breeds you feel are a good match. |
| give my dog? - If you hate exercise, buy a | | | | |
| small dog happy with a short walk. If you | | | | Finally make every effort when choosing a |
| like to walk the mountains all day long get a | | | | puppy to make your final choice of a dog |
| dog breed which likes a lot of exercise.c) | | | | breed a family decision. Your dog will be |
| How much grooming can I do? - If you hate | | | | part of the family, and each member needs to |
| grooming, buy a short-haired dog.d) How much | | | | feel a sense of ownership for the dog and a |
| training can I give? - If you have limited | | | | willingness to help in its care. |
| time, choose a breed known for ease of | | | | |
| training.e) How much room do I have? - If you | | | | So there you have it a short guide to |
| live in a small apartment don't get a large | | | | choosing a puppy that will fit into your |
| dog!f) What characteristics do I want in my | | | | family perfectly and bring years of fun and |
| dog? - Think of words like independent, | | | | happiness. |