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| What Breed Shall I Buy?No one can answer this question for you. There are too many variables and unknowns and exeptions to the rules. But let's have a look at the options! Big dog or small dog?Big dogsA big dog needs more space than a small dog, so gardens must be big, and fences high and strong. some housing complexes do not allow big dogs. Big dogs eat more. Big dogs cost more - for example the monthly dose of Frontline costs more for a big dog than a small dog. Boarding fees tend to cost more. So does worm medicine which needs to be given every few months. The collar will probably cost more. Big kennels cost more. A big dog can do more damage than a small dog. Fences need to be higher & stronger. A big dog can't sleep in your bed, on your lap, or on your chair. Big dogs take up more room in the car. Big dogs are too strong for weak or elderly owners, or children, to control. On the other hand, big dogs can be fun - a playmate and defender. They will deter burglars by their intimidating appearance. Big dogs can be trained for work, eg pulling carts or assisting folk in wheelchairs. Small dogsSmall dogs can be yappers that cause trouble with neighbours if houses are close together. A dog that is too tiny can have health problems. It is vulnerable and can be stood on, or dropped by kids. Folk imagine that only big dogs are aggressive, but this is not so! All dogs are wolves in disguise! Many small dogs are terrorists! Terriers, as a general rule, enjoy a good fight. EG bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, Jack Russell terrier, Scottish terrier etc. However, with good socialisation and training from an early age, the dog can be kept under control. A small dog who starts a fight with a big dog, can land in hospital! Make sure your fence is dog proof. Small dogs are easy to handle. They can be picked up and rescued from a dog fight. They can be like dolls that can be groomed and pampered. They cost less. A small dog can be a good watch dog, barking an alarm if a suspicious person approaches. They can also be aggressive, nipping visitors in the heels. They are easily accommodated indoors.
Decisions, decisions!ClimateIf you live in a hot area, avoid long haired dogs that were bred to live in snowy lands. (eg St Bernard, Bernese mountain dog, Samoyed) Such dogs suffer from the heat. TimeHow much time do you plan to spend with the dog each day? Long haired & curly haired dogs need regular brushing, otherwise the coat gets matted and unsightly. White dogs need bathed regularly if they are to continue to be white. Big dogs & lively dogs like greyhounds & beagles, need to be taken out for runs. Collies & kelpies need to be with the owner constantly. If left alone, they are bored & destructive. They like to work or play with the owner. Do you have time to take the dog to training class? Do you have time to take the dog to a groomer? Shedding hairIs anyone in the family prone to allergies? Some folk get hay fever in the presence of a pet. All animals & humans shed hair. This can happen one hair at a time, or some dogs "moult" all at once. Brushing and raking the coat each day helps to collect the hair. Hair on furniture and car seats can be removed with a rubber brush. Rubber brushes are also good for sweeping hair off dry floors. Boy or Girl? Decisions, decisions!Boys make the best pets. They stay young and playful longer. They are territorial & will protect their family. But 2 boys together may fight for dominance. One dog has to be the alpha dog - the leader. The other dog may occasionally challenge this. If you already have a male dog, get a female. Two females may fight, but as a general rule they are not quite as aggressive as two males. Again, one female must be the alpha dog. Females are generally easier to train. If you already have a dog, choose an unaggressive breed for the second dog eg basset hound. See table of the different types of dog -eg toy breeds, working dogs. Find out why each breed was developed in order to understand its temperament. The ownerBuying a puppy is an 18 year commitment. Where will you be in 5 years? Will you be in the same house or in a flat? Will you emigrate if you get a better job overseas? Will you move to a retirement village that does not allow pets? What will become of the dog? Will you be physically able to bend down or run after a dog in 10 years time? Are there kids in the house? Are they old enough to be taught not to touch a dog's bone in case it bites them? Is there a toddler who will be bowled over by a big boisterous dog? Puppies grow quicker than kids! In 6 months the dog will be nearly fully grown. Don't buy a puppy for a child. The child will soon prefer to go out with friends and ignore the dog. It's a decision that should be made by an adult.
RescueWhy not volunteer at the animal rescue shelter to take dogs for a walk once a week? Or to clean the kennels. This will give you a wide hands-on experience of different breeds. You can ask the staff questions. Hey, instead of picking a dog, maybe a dog will pick YOU! You may find the following article helpful:
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