So you’ve thought long and hard and decided to get a dog. Once you’ve made your decision, your next thought is what type of dog will suit you best? Every breed is different, and if you want your relationship with your animal to be mutually beneficial, you’ll need a dog that matches your personality, environment and lifestyle.
Puppies turn into dogs Firstly, forget looks. Anyone can fall in love with a puppy. One of the biggest mistakes would-be dog owners make is to pick the puppy they think is most cute. Every puppy grows into a dog with its own personality and characteristics. A little, shy puppy now could become a rampant, house-wrecking behemoth in just a few months. That’s why it’s so important to learn as much as you can about breed specifics: size, temperament, level of activity and grooming needs could all influence your decision.
Would the dog choose you? Look at what you can offer the dog. Where do you live? Is it a house, or a small apartment? Do you have a garden or outdoor area? Do you work at home or do you commute? Who will look after the dog while you’re out? Will the dog be around children? The answers to all these questions will have a huge impact on the best dog for you.
The breeds Medium-sized breeds such as Retrievers and Labradors are good with children, while larger breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers make good guard-dogs. Of course, some small dogs are more bark than bite, and can be just as effective when it comes to keeping intruders away. Some dogs have a reputation for being big dogs in small bodies– bouncy and exuberant, they’ll soon alert you to unwanted visitors (though are likely to lick a burglar to death rather than chasing one off).
If having a guard animal isn’t high on your wish list, a quieter breed might be a better choice for a small apartment with thin walls. Spaniels, Beagles and Pekinese generally aren’t as vocal as other dogs and should keep the neighbours happier. Working dogs are a good choice for a loving, obedient pet. However, they do have high activity levels, so you must be prepared for lots of walks and exercise.
Whether it’s a puppy or a rescue dog, a thoroughbred or a mongrel, from that moment on, you are responsible for that animal’s welfare and happiness for the rest of its life – so it’s not a decision to be taken lightly!