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002. What Kind of Dog Should I Get: Factors to consider |
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This article is from the rec.pets.dogs: Getting A Dog FAQ, posted to rec.pets.dogs newsgroup. Maintained by Cindy Tittle Moore with numerous contributions by others.
There is an enormous variety of dogs in shape, size, personality, and abilities. Different breeds will have certain characteristics for which they were bred. Ask breeders at dog shows and look them up in breed books for further information. You must consider several things before deciding on a dog:
* _How much time can you spend with it?_ Dogs are social creatures. They will not be happy left out in the back yard alone. You must be committed to spending several hours a day with it.
* _What space can you provide it?_ If you live in a small apartment, you must take this into consideration: many dogs will not do well unless you expend a good deal of effort in meeting their needs. Dogs can be pretty adaptable so long as *you* help them out. Don't be fooled by size into thinking a dog will be OK in a small apartment -- Jack Russell Terriers require a LOT of exercise. Conversely, many Mastiffs are content to flop on the floor and do nothing at all while you are gone.
* _How much money can you set aside for it?_ Even if you get a dog from the shelter or otherwise inexpensively, you will have to buy food, pay for veterinary checkups, vaccinations and routine medical care, and purchase other equipment over the lifetime of the dog. Not to mention replacing anything the dog may damage or destroy, or putting money out for medical emergencies. Do you have the financial resources for this?
* _How much exercise can you give it?_ If your time is limited, you should look for smaller or less active dogs that can obtain enough exercise in your home or from short walks. Note that not all small dogs are less active, or larger dogs more active; research your breeds!
* _How much training can you do?_ Regardless of the dog you get, training will make your dog much more compatible with you and what you want to do. A trained dog can go to more places with you without disruption, and can be more easily a part of your life.
* _How much grooming can you do?_ How much hair are you prepared to have in your home? You should give serious consideration to these factors: some dogs shed little and require no grooming (clipping, stripping, etc); others shed little but require more grooming; others shed but do not require grooming; and still others both shed and require grooming. Do note that just about all dogs will require some nail clipping regardless of conditions. If you get a dog that requires regular grooming, are you prepared to pay for its grooming or learn to do it yourself and to do either regularly?
* _Which sex do you want, male or female?_ There are pros and cons to either sex, all of which are generalities and may or may not apply to a specific dog. By all means, if you have a preference, get the sex you want. If you are not sure, it really doesn't matter -- look for the dog you hit it off with.
* _What characteristics do you want in a dog?_ Different breeds have been bred with specific purposes in mind. Dogs bred for scent, for racing, for retrieving, etc, will exhibit these traits. Consider which characteristics you would like and which will annoy you. Reading up on dogs in breed books (some are listed below) and talking to breeders will give you some idea of these kinds of characteristics. This also may be a reason to choose a purebred: characteristics in purebreds appear more reliably because of their consistent breeding. Do recognize, however, that dogs show individual personalities, and variety exists within each breed. Breeds are only a general indicator of what to expect. Some questions to ask yourself:
+ What sort of exercise do I want to do with the dog? Walking? Jogging? Hiking?
+ Do I want a dog that is bouncy and ready to go, or more relaxed?
+ Am I prepared for a dog with some protective tendencies? How about a dog with possible dog-aggression (because of its background or breed)?
+ Do I want an indiscriminantly friendly dog or one that is more reserved?
+ Do I want a dog that must be near me whenever possible or do I prefer a more independent nature?
+ Will I want a dog that readily accepts other animals (e.g., cats, rabbits, etc.)?
+ Am I interested in: obedience, agility, hunting, herding, coursing, showing, etc. with this dog?
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