Choosing the Right Dog - for You
By Rochelle Caviness
Getting a dog is simple. Getting the right dog takes work.
What dog is right for you?
Before you can determine what kind of dog would be the right one for you, you must first determine why you want one and how much care you can devote to a dog.
Do you want a puppy or a grown dog that has already received basic obedience training?
Do you want a purebred or a mixed breed dog?
Does anyone in your family have allergies?
How much time and money do you want to invest in your pet?
Do you live in an apartment or house?
Do you want an inside or an outside dog?
Would you mind a dog that barked a lot? Do you want one with a 'mean' bark but a nice disposition?
Can you handle a dog that is powerful and needs a lot of exercise or would you be happier with a lap dog that was trained to use a litter box?
The questions you need to ask yourself are varied. The age and breed of dog that will be 'right' for you will depend upon your answers to these questions. Dogs cannot be characterized as a single entity. Each breed has unique characteristics and care requirements.
When you determine what your needs are, begin by researching the infinite variety of dogs available…
Sporting and Hunting Dogs
High energy, active, needs a lot of space and exercise. Need lots of human interaction and make good house dogs. Sporting dogs are intelligent and easily trained. Sporting dog breeds included Spaniels, Retrievers, Pointers and Setters.
Hunting Dogs are also classed as working dogs. Most are people oriented and they love to please. Newfoundland and Great Dane's make great pets, however their large size can be intimidating.
Hounds
The various breeds of hounds each tend to have their own personality traits. Some, like the bloodhounds are amenable to training and require a lot of exercise. Others, such as beagles have a mind of their own. Bassets, Basenjis, Norwegian Elkhounds, and Greyhounds are all Hound dogs.
Working Dogs
Smart, hard working and willing to please, working dogs have served man since they were first domesticated.
Guard Dogs
Nowadays, most dogs that serve as working dogs serve as guard dogs. Guard dog breeds are easily trained, however if they are incorrectly trained or socialized these dogs which include Boxers, Dobermans and Rottweilers can become a threat to their owners and the public in general.
Sled and Pack Dogs
Other working breeds such as Malamutes, Akitas, and Huskies have been trained to pull heavy loads. Because they can withstand very cold temperatures, they make good outside dogs. They do not, however, always get along with other dogs or children.
Herding dogs
These intelligent hard working dogs require a great deal of exercise. They can be trained to do a series of complex tasks and tend to be very protective of their home and the people they view as members of their pack. This can also be a draw back because they may attack non-family members and other dogs. Breeds in this category include German Shepherds, Sheepdogs, Collies, and Welsh Corgis.
Terriers
These lovable, high-energy dogs have been bred to chase and dig. It can be very difficult to keep one penned. They also tend to bark constantly.
Toy breeds
Toy breeds make excellent lap dogs because they are small and tend not to be overly active. They also tend to be delicate and high-strung necessitating that they be kept in a quiet environment and away from small children.
Mutts
If you're willing to take potluck, a mixed breed dog may be your ideal canine mate. If you know what the parent stock was, you can guestimate the temperament and the likely size the mutt will grow into.
