Will your dog need to get along well with small children? Flickr/JoshWellington.com
1. What is your main requirement from a dog?
If it's important for your dog to help protect the household, make that a priority. Consider sticking with one of the bigger or more aggressive breeds that are known to make good guard dogs. If you are looking for a companion to sit in your lap, select a small breed of dog like a Chihuahua or Pomeranian.
2. What kind of family environment do you have?
If you have small children, for example, make sure to choose a dog that is less likely to react negatively if startled by noise or poked by little kids. Consider choosing a breed that has a calm nature and socializes well with children such as golden retrievers, collies, pugs and boxers. Other breeds like the Dalmatian and Kerry blue terrier are less tolerant to the excitement that comes with kids running around. If you have other pets, you want to select a dog that gets along with other animals. If you live alone, and have no other pets in your home, these questions may not be as important.
3. How much attention can you offer a dog?
Certain breeds of dogs, such as Portuguese water dogs, Shetland sheepdogs and border collies, are high energy breeds that require a lot of attention and exercise. Mastiff and Maltese breeds are calmer and require fewer walks to the park. All dogs do need a serious amount of attention and exercise and if you are rarely home, a dog might not be your best pet.
4. How much patience do you have for dog training?
Some dogs learn quickly and others seem as if they will never master the basics, so make sure to match the breed with the amount of time you can devote to training. Labradors and English springer spaniels for example, are easier to train than Boston terriers, which may test your patience.
5. What kind of living environment do you have to offer?
If you live in an apartment, a less active breed such as bulldog might be a better fit for you. If you have a large yard, you could consider a bigger dog as they require lots of space to run, play and yes, wreak havoc. Certain breeds, such as border collies, will demand constant exercise and stimulation, necessitating open spaces to run and play.
6. What do you know about the dog's breed?
According to Petplace.com, "Each breed has his own history and reason for being that has become part of his genetic code. The basset hound was bred to diligently track rabbits, deer and other game; the Great Pyrenees to protect livestock from foxes and other predators; the Labrador retriever as a hunter's helper; and the Old English sheepdog to drive sheep and cattle to market." Understanding why a breed was bred -- and how that will drive some of its daily behaviors -- will help you to find a dog with the correct temperament and agility that you desire.
7. Do you want a puppy or older dog?
Although puppies are unbearably cute, there are many benefits to adopting an older pet. They are often already house-trained and tend to be more tame and calm than a puppy. Of course one of the down sides is each breed has its own average life expectancy and if you want the maximum amount of time with your dog, a puppy is probably a better bet.
8. Do you have the financial resources to devote to your dog?
Pet expenses can add up and you need to anticipate what you can truly afford to spend. Account for food, boarding, grooming, walking and of course vet visits and medicines. Larger dogs eat more than smaller dogs, Chows require more grooming then pit bulls, and all dogs will need to have vet visits which can get quite expensive. Research the breeds in which you're interested to learn which conditions are more likely to afflict your dog, like the deafness that is commonly found in Dalmatians, or the hip dysplasia that often strikes older German shepherds and St. Bernards.
By answering these basic questions, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect dog to fit your lifestyle.
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Good information in your article, only one agrument, you DO NOT adopt an animal. You BUY it, either from a pet store, a breeder, a shelter or a rescue group. You give them some money, they give you a dog or cat. The term ADOPT is used to make you the buyer feel good about getting this pet.
if you think about it, the animal is going to be an important part of your family, so you are adopting it. as a dog rescue worker, I can tell you the fee you pay helps support the rescue operation, so call it what you want, but have your heart in the right place. that money helps pay spay/neuter, rabies shot, heartworm test, intestinal worm tests, regular vaccinations, microchipping, and pays to keep feeding the unadoptable animals that all rescues accumulate. unless they are a kill shelter. paul
The reason 501(c) ask for the donation (money) is not for you to purchase the pet, but to help sustain the non profit. Most rescues/shelters need funds to operate and continue to provide care for the animals they take in. Most of the people that do rescue do it voluntarily, and because animals are dear to their hearts. It is not for profit. I have seldom seen a shelter/rescue earn a profit especially when you consider the many of the animals taken in are in desperated need of vetriniary care. Most have been dumped by owners who have purchase them and no longer find them an important part of their life. Many have severe injuries, may need spay/neuter/shots. That requires money...where do you think the money comes from. Many volunteers foster the pets in their own homes prior to adoption. If a rescue doesn't have enough fosters, then the animal may need to be boarded and then can cost up to 35.00 or more a day. I agree that there is a difference in someone who rescues for money and others who rescue for the sake of saving an animals life. There is a big difference in purchasing a pet from a pet store and those that purchase from a reprutable breeder.
Geeeeeesh, Dottie, it doesn't sound like you would be a very good dog owner. My dogs are part of my family. My heart breaks when they are ill or sick. They are included in all of our family gatherings and trips. Our animals were adopted into our family and were welcomed and planned as part of our family. It is true that we paid a fee at the shelter but that is because they were caring for our future family member and that did cost the shelter some money. Please, Dottie, don't ever buy another dog....your attitude stinks like Michael Vic.
You never buy from a pet store unless you absolutely know for sure that the pet comes from a shelter/rescue and not a Puppy Mill which is where most dogs come from that are sold in a pet store.
WHAT ABOUT HUMAN ADOPTION,GUESS HOW MUCH IT COSTS? THOUSANDS,AND IT IS STILL CALLED ADOPTION!
tried to adopt a dog. Shelters have such odd rules. One wouldnt let me because I was only 22 and even without meeting me made the judgement that i could not care for one. Another wouldnt let me adopt because of my occupation as a dancer. They did not want the dog to be moved all over. yes I move around but my dog is ALWAYS with me. Pardon me but that was the reason I wanted a dog was a companion was I am always moving to new places in which I dont know anyone. I ended up buying my dog from a store and I LOVE him. He is my best friend and spioled to no end. I guess I could understand these reasonings had they interviewed me or something but no, they passed these judgement based on answers on an application. Seems to me that if this is going on - MANY dogs are denied wonderful homes.
Generally, people say "adopt" when they're referring to getting a dog from a shelter or rescue, where you don't simply hand over some money and say, "I want that little brown one." You have to be interviewed and often agree to a home visit to make sure you are providing a good home for the animal, like a simpler baby adoption process.
One of the most MIS-informed utterances I've ever read....A store doesn't give a dam- what they sell you, they are in it for the $$.
The miniscule amount the ASPCA charges covers their expenses so they can do more good works..Dottie--please educate yourself before you open your yap..
Very nice article...I had a border collie/lab mix adopt me. (someone dumped her) She is smart and funny but if she gets loose she is gone for at least and hour and no amount of coaxing, food, love, or bribery will get her back before she is done running and she is 13. She only gets loose occasionally (she once jumped clear over my head and out the car window and she weighs 69 lbs.)
Still, I wouldn't trade her for the world. A prospective partner once said either the dog sleeps in the bed or I do! I still have the dog, lol.
So if I ever do get another dog it won't be that breedmix and now I know what to look for, so thanks.
Something else to think about is how strong you are as opposed to how strong your dog is. As I am aging (55 yrs young) I can see that the next pooch in my future will have to weigh under 35 lbs.
I have to differ with you on the weight issue verses age. If you have trained your dogs properly weight should not even be a factor. I am 40 and both of my Golden Retrievers are large one at 74lbs the other at 85lbs and I feel completely safe with them. They are both excellent guard dogs to alert me if anyone is near the yard or house, they do not jump on me as they have been properly trained. I do not believe in shock collars or any of that harsh type of training, a firm voice to let them know what is ok and they are the best dogs in the world.
I sometimes think as I get on in years I might want a smaller dog but I so love my goldens. Being females they are smaller than the boys so are easier for me. I do Agility training with the girls so that as we age together they will be able to use ramps to get into the car and not have to be lifted by me. Because I compete in Obedience and Rally with the girls they are well trained and well behaved. I had both girls as puppies which for me works best as I have adopted many great dogs in the past. But I have also adopted dogs that came with alot of baggage Also, because I enjoy competing I love to spend the time raising a puppy to enjoy training and competition. I will most likely always have goldens but will always make sure to put in the time needed to insure they do not pull on the leash when walked, do not jump on me and in general behave so as not to hurt me when I am older.
While making sure a someone selects a dog that is suitable for their lifestyle... I think the big question of IS a dog suitable for someone's lifestyle was missed here.
So many dogs end up put out of homes because in addition to not considering the amount of money involved in owning a dog, people do not consider:
What are landlord policies- Does your landlord allow dogs? Will you pay extra to keep your dog if you need to move? What size/breed dogs do landlords allow in your area? What will you do if your dog isn't quiet?
What is your community's policy on dogs? Are there limits? leash laws? noise ordinances?
Do you have time to spend with your dog? Dogs take time! They take training- no one gives them a book that explains how to be housebroken, not jump, scratch kids, or bark. They need excercise! Just because you've worked all day, don't expect your dog to want to pull on a pair of slippers and watch TV all night after having slept all day too!
Are you in a position that you can KEEP a dog? Dogs are a long term commitment... for life, not just Christmas, or birthday, or valentine's day... Most live somewhere between 8-15 years. Are you moving across the country next month? Are you having a child and will no longer want the commitment of a pet too?
Do you or any of your family members have allergies? Yeah, we learn as we go through life... but if you know off the getgo that you cannot be around dog dander without being miserable, don't get a dog.
I'm sure I can keep going... but you probably get the idea. Whether you go to a shelter and adopt or seek out a breeder who cares about health issues, socialization, and the type of home you are going to provide... think about the big question... not what kind of dog should you get, but SHOULD you get a dog.
Jennifer, Thank you for your astute comments -- all so true. Speaking of mastiffs, I've owned two of this wonderful breed & can tell you that even the males are "nannies with fur". Mine were calm with a quiet temperment, patient with little ones who pulled, poked & sat on them, & VERY protective of the whole family. Their very presence was often all that was needed for "bad actors" to back away & leave the family member alone. When that wasn't enough, they both were ready with assertive action if required, but neither one was people- or dog-aggressive. The first one died when he was only 8 yrs old; he was 200+ lbs & quite active right up till the end. The second one was my "soul-mate"; he devoted his life to protecting me as I lived alone & traveled alone across country. A more wonderful companion I have never had. I fed him the very best food I could afford & he lived to his 12th birthday, which is ancient for a giant breed. I can't say enough good things about the English Mastiff breed. They do drool, snore, take up a lot of space (especially on the bed - LOL), shed, & they think they are "lap dogs" even tho they know that they are a BIG dog.
Jennifer, I agree with you 100%. We got our chocolate Lab -- purebred, dew claws removed -- from our vet's daughter who had found her at about eight month's old running loose in a city park. She has been dumped there with a ball and a bag of dog food. We surmised that someone had gotten her for a family pet and did not know that she would be so hyper-active. I also imagine that President Clinton's chocolate lab might have had something to do with her purchase. They certainly missed out on a wonderful dog. She is still extremely active at nine years old, loves to retrieve her ball either in tall grass or water. This is a hunting dog that needs a lot of space and attention and loves her training sessions. She has been wonderful for us, but I feel sure she was overwhelming for the original owners. We've been very blessed to have her and hope she sticks around for awhile longer.
i adopted a yellow lab 5 years ago from a shelter and was just told tonight that he has lymphoma and will not make it. I am heart sick. He was the best pet ever. Please sit and brush your pet and spoil it with love and attention, our time together was cut short and I only regret that I wish I could have spoiled him more.
Karen, I feel for you. God bless you and your Lab.
I am so sorry to hear about your pet. I lost my beloved Kimbo on 9/22/08
I still am sick about it and cry often. I have four dogs that I love but Kimbo's sudden death at age 8 will not leave me anytime soon. I cry harder when a dog dies that a person.. ( not children God Forbid) but you get it.. I hope this terrible tragedy don't shut your heart out from giving love to another rescue dog. I got my new guy Coco last year a couple of months after losing Kimbo. I was so upset about losing the dog I had to have stomach surgury from stress. So for all you dog lovers like me. We know there is no better friend...
I will pray for you and your puppy. I lost my gplden retriever puppy named Gambit a year ago February 20th. Our hearts are still broken, he was our angel. He was diagnosed at age 5 and a half and passed away 2 months before his 7th birthday which would have been on April 28th...Plsease don't lose hope..Gambits oncologist has had patients that lasted for 4-5 years with chemo...There is a doctor at Katonah-Bedford Animal Hospital that was working on a vaccine for lymphoma when Gambit was ill, but at time it was not ready...Maybe you can contact him..just go to the hospital web site and see...
My heart breaks for you. I too lost my first lab to lymphoma. Within 10 days of diagnosis, she was at the Rainbow Bridge.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.