Choosing The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family
There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.
A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you are willing to put up with? You are going to have to deal with your dog’s hair in some fashion. He will either shed or require grooming. It’s a time vs. money question. You can always take the middle ground, though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple times of year.
The next thing to consider is how much time you have to devote to walks and playtime? Some breeds require a great deal of daily exercise. Without it, they can become very destructive. Choosing a breed with an energy level that fits your family’s time commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems.
Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering the size of dog you must really think about the cost of maintaining the dog. It costs a great deal more to feed a St. Bernard than it does a Chihuahua. Medical expenses requiring anesthesia will also be greater as physicians charge by weight. Boarding kennels and groomers may charge by weight as well. The general rule is, the larger the dog, the more expensive it will be to care for him.
What type of temperament are you looking for? If you have kids, you will want to choose a breed that has a reputation for being good with children. If you want a good watch dog, choose a breed that has a natural guard instinct.
After answering these questions, you can look through any dog breed book and start comparing the qualities you’re looking for to the breeds listed. Write down at least 5 breeds that fit your needs. The next step is to research reputable breeders in your area (I recommend calling your local veterinarian first) and make contact with at least 3 for each breed. Yes, this will take time. But it is worth it to get the right dog. Interview each breeder thoroughly and share with them your list of qualities. Ask them if they would recommend their breed to you and if so, why. If not, why not? The breeder will be the expert on their breed and can prove to be a very valuable resource.
Once you have completed your research for all breeds, you will have a much clearer picture of which breed is right for you and your family. And, you have already interviewed breeders so you should have found at least one that you feel comfortable purchasing a dog from. If you don’t want a puppy, please consider going through a breed rescue organization or your local animal shelter. There are so many great dogs of all ages and breed type in desperate need of good homes. Your home may just be the perfect match!
I hope you find these tips helpful in your journey to finding the perfect dog. Take your time, do your research and you will find the companion best suited for your family. Best of luck!
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Choosing The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family
Choosing The Right Breed Of Dog For Your Family
There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.
A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you are willing to put up with? You are going to have to deal with your dog’s hair in some fashion. He will either shed or require grooming. It’s a time vs. money question. You can always take the middle ground, though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple times of year.
The next thing to consider is how much time you have to devote to walks and playtime? Some breeds require a great deal of daily exercise. Without it, they can become very destructive. Choosing a breed with an energy level that fits your family’s time commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems.
Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering the size of dog you must really think about the cost of maintaining the dog. It costs a great deal more to feed a St. Bernard than it does a Chihuahua. Medical expenses requiring anesthesia will also be greater as physicians charge by weight. Boarding kennels and groomers may charge by weight as well. The general rule is, the larger the dog, the more expensive it will be to care for him.
What type of temperament are you looking for? If you have kids, you will want to choose a breed that has a reputation for being good with children. If you want a good watch dog, choose a breed that has a natural guard instinct.
After answering these questions, you can look through any dog breed book and start comparing the qualities you’re looking for to the breeds listed. Write down at least 5 breeds that fit your needs. The next step is to research reputable breeders in your area (I recommend calling your local veterinarian first) and make contact with at least 3 for each breed. Yes, this will take time. But it is worth it to get the right dog. Interview each breeder thoroughly and share with them your list of qualities. Ask them if they would recommend their breed to you and if so, why. If not, why not? The breeder will be the expert on their breed and can prove to be a very valuable resource.
Once you have completed your research for all breeds, you will have a much clearer picture of which breed is right for you and your family. And, you have already interviewed breeders so you should have found at least one that you feel comfortable purchasing a dog from. If you don’t want a puppy, please consider going through a breed rescue organization or your local animal shelter. There are so many great dogs of all ages and breed type in desperate need of good homes. Your home may just be the perfect match!
I hope you find these tips helpful in your journey to finding the perfect dog. Take your time, do your research and you will find the companion best suited for your family. Best of luck!
There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.
A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you are willing to put up with? You are going to have to deal with your dog’s hair in some fashion. He will either shed or require grooming. It’s a time vs. money question. You can always take the middle ground, though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple times of year.
The next thing to consider is how much time you have to devote to walks and playtime? Some breeds require a great deal of daily exercise. Without it, they can become very destructive. Choosing a breed with an energy level that fits your family’s time commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems.
Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering the size of dog you must really think about the cost of maintaining the dog. It costs a great deal more to feed a St. Bernard than it does a Chihuahua. Medical expenses requiring anesthesia will also be greater as physicians charge by weight. Boarding kennels and groomers may charge by weight as well. The general rule is, the larger the dog, the more expensive it will be to care for him.
What type of temperament are you looking for? If you have kids, you will want to choose a breed that has a reputation for being good with children. If you want a good watch dog, choose a breed that has a natural guard instinct.
After answering these questions, you can look through any dog breed book and start comparing the qualities you’re looking for to the breeds listed. Write down at least 5 breeds that fit your needs. The next step is to research reputable breeders in your area (I recommend calling your local veterinarian first) and make contact with at least 3 for each breed. Yes, this will take time. But it is worth it to get the right dog. Interview each breeder thoroughly and share with them your list of qualities. Ask them if they would recommend their breed to you and if so, why. If not, why not? The breeder will be the expert on their breed and can prove to be a very valuable resource.
Once you have completed your research for all breeds, you will have a much clearer picture of which breed is right for you and your family. And, you have already interviewed breeders so you should have found at least one that you feel comfortable purchasing a dog from. If you don’t want a puppy, please consider going through a breed rescue organization or your local animal shelter. There are so many great dogs of all ages and breed type in desperate need of good homes. Your home may just be the perfect match!
I hope you find these tips helpful in your journey to finding the perfect dog. Take your time, do your research and you will find the companion best suited for your family. Best of luck!
Why Not Consider The Manchester Terrier Dog?
Why Not Consider The Manchester Terrier Dog?
The Manchester terrier is one of those dogs that puts a lot of personality into a fairly small package. A remarkably attractive pet with a convenient smooth and short-haired coat, this terrier is one of those breeds with an interesting background stemming from the early, "working dog" days.
These terriers derive from the old black and tan terrier breed in England. Back in those days, terriers weren't known for their beauty -- to put it kindly -- but they were tireless, muscular, and keen. In fact, they were widely known as the best rat killers around, regardless of the terrain. Their skill and enthusiasm easily overcame any objections to their physical appearance, and the breed grew very popular.
At some point, a black and tan fancier crossed one of his terriers with a whippet, a far more graceful-looking dog resembling a Greyhound. The result was a beautiful dog retaining all the terrier prowess, and this new variety made quite a splash. Even so, the new dogs were also called Black and Tans until the Manchester Terrier Club finally formed in the 1920s, changing the breed name to Manchester terrier.
Despite all they have to offer, including a wonderful suitability for today's urban environments, the Manchester terrier isn't nearly as well known as it ought to be. In fact, although it enjoyed a surge in popularity sometime back, the breed is practically obscure these days, with only a few dedicated breeders sustaining it.
Yet despite our neglect, the Manchester terrier is a gorgeous breed in its own right that has contributed its beauty and brains to much more well-known breeds, like the Doberman Pinscher. Even better for urbanites, it comes in two varieties -- standard, which ranges from 12-22 pounds, and the toy breed, which is typically about 10.
It's surprisingly we don't see more of them around. Not only is the Manchester terrier a refined, alert dog boasting a rich mahogany color and an attractive, Doberman-style tan patch over each eye, he's also playful -- he'll sport for hours on end with the kids -- and happily long-lived. Like all terriers, however, this one is a natural digger, and will need some kind of outlet for his energy and keen mind.
This terrier is a much better choice for a boisterous family than the single working person who must crate his dog for most of the day. Just make sure that your children are old enough to show your terrier some respect for his "person" and not manhandle him. Finally, brainy dogs like terriers need to be taught they don't rule the roost. If you don't have a background in obedience training, you'll want to take him in for classes.
The Manchester terrier is one of those dogs that puts a lot of personality into a fairly small package. A remarkably attractive pet with a convenient smooth and short-haired coat, this terrier is one of those breeds with an interesting background stemming from the early, "working dog" days.
These terriers derive from the old black and tan terrier breed in England. Back in those days, terriers weren't known for their beauty -- to put it kindly -- but they were tireless, muscular, and keen. In fact, they were widely known as the best rat killers around, regardless of the terrain. Their skill and enthusiasm easily overcame any objections to their physical appearance, and the breed grew very popular.
At some point, a black and tan fancier crossed one of his terriers with a whippet, a far more graceful-looking dog resembling a Greyhound. The result was a beautiful dog retaining all the terrier prowess, and this new variety made quite a splash. Even so, the new dogs were also called Black and Tans until the Manchester Terrier Club finally formed in the 1920s, changing the breed name to Manchester terrier.
Despite all they have to offer, including a wonderful suitability for today's urban environments, the Manchester terrier isn't nearly as well known as it ought to be. In fact, although it enjoyed a surge in popularity sometime back, the breed is practically obscure these days, with only a few dedicated breeders sustaining it.
Yet despite our neglect, the Manchester terrier is a gorgeous breed in its own right that has contributed its beauty and brains to much more well-known breeds, like the Doberman Pinscher. Even better for urbanites, it comes in two varieties -- standard, which ranges from 12-22 pounds, and the toy breed, which is typically about 10.
It's surprisingly we don't see more of them around. Not only is the Manchester terrier a refined, alert dog boasting a rich mahogany color and an attractive, Doberman-style tan patch over each eye, he's also playful -- he'll sport for hours on end with the kids -- and happily long-lived. Like all terriers, however, this one is a natural digger, and will need some kind of outlet for his energy and keen mind.
This terrier is a much better choice for a boisterous family than the single working person who must crate his dog for most of the day. Just make sure that your children are old enough to show your terrier some respect for his "person" and not manhandle him. Finally, brainy dogs like terriers need to be taught they don't rule the roost. If you don't have a background in obedience training, you'll want to take him in for classes.
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