How To Choose The Right Dog For You

1. Research

Before you buy something or make a huge decision, you should always do some research first. You wouldn't buy a new washing machine without first looking into your options, so why would you do the same with a dog? There are a lot of books and periodicals you may look at that will tell you a lot about the different types of dogs. You may also discover a lot of helpful articles and videos on the internet by both dog owners and specialists. When you're doing research, you might also want to talk to local dog shelters, vets, or even friends and family who have taken care of dogs before.

2. Personality And Temperament

You can make an educated guess about a dog's disposition and temperament based on its breed, but this won't be an exact science. For instance, people might say that Jack Russell terriers are hyper and bark a lot, but this isn't true for every single one of them. Every dog is different in terms of attitude, temperament, and intelligence. Use the breed as a guide, but also talk to the owner, breeder, or rescue home.

3. Understand The Different Breeds

Keep in mind that people bred dogs for certain reasons. How well do you know these dog breeds? There are seven officially recognized breeds: toy, terrier, herding, working, hound, sporting, and non-sporting. The name of the breed can tell you a lot about the kind of environment that dog would do best in. For example, a Border Collie is a working dog that needs a lot of exercise. Some dogs, like a French Bulldog, will be pleased to lie next to you on the couch.

4. Consider Space

This is when you need to be really strict with your choice. Space. You might want to tell yourself that your one-bedroom apartment will be big enough for a beautiful three-year-old Rottweiler, but that's probably not true. You need to be honest about what your property can manage, even if you live close to a park.

5. Are They Child Friendly?

If you have kids or spend time with kids, one of the most important things to think about when picking a dog is how well it gets along with kids. A Labrador or a Golden Retriever is an example of a breed that is patient and gentle. It's interesting that bigger dogs are frequently safer to be around kids than smaller, more aggressive canines. This is why it's vital to learn about a dog's personality and temperament before you get one. It's a good idea to let your kids meet the dog before you get it.

6. Can You Handle The Noise?

Some dogs have been bred to bark. It's clear why guard dogs are loud, but even small dogs like the Chihuahua may be loud neighbors. This is something to think about, not just if you reside in an apartment complex, but also for your personal peace of mind!

7. Meet Them

This is true for any other purchase, so if you're getting a puppy or adopting a rescue dog, make sure you meet them first. You can't top really interacting with a dog, no matter how much research you've done on breeds and other things. Before you bring the dog home, spend some time with it to make sure it's a good fit for your family.