Congratulations! You have decided to have a dog. What breed, what size, will she shed, long hair or short hair, what kind of climate do you live in, do you live in the city or in the country, do you have children, do you have allergies, etc.? With over 150 breeds to choose from, that task can be quite daunting. Owning a dog can be frustrating at times. Your typical daily routine will be disrupted when your dog is a puppy and learning the rules of the house.
A dog is a living creature that breathes. They have needs, wants, and demands, not to mention a lot of love to give. They usually live between 10 and 15 years. In addition to the purchase price, there is the cost of feeding, grooming and veterinary care. A larger breed dog, such as a Saint Bernard, will eat more than a Chihuahua. A Samoyed will need weekly, if not daily, grooming. A Schnauzer does not lose hair, but will need an occasional haircut.
The races are divided into groups. Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-sporting, Herding, and Miscellaneous. Each group signifies what the dog does best. For example, a Siberian husky is a member of the working group. They are used for dog sled racing due to their incredible strength. They can run miles and miles and never seem to break a sweat. Working dogs (such as the Siberian Husky) are usually high-energy dogs. It takes a lot of activity to get them out. A toy dog would be perfect if you don’t want to sweat while watching your dog.
Size is a factor to consider. Do you live in an apartment where a smaller dog might be all that’s allowed, or do you have your own house with a big backyard? The age and disposition of the owner are key to help determine the size. An older person may be better for a Yorkshire terrier than a Labrador. Remember that all dogs start out small, but the breed of the dog determines the final size. Even a Great Dane starts out small, but very quickly becomes a small horse that needs a big yard and lots of food.
Having a good quality vacuum cleaner is key if you have a dog with long fur. Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies have double coats that shed profusely. You will need to vacuum several times a week. Grooming should become a habit to help determine and control some of the shedding. However, if you don’t want to vacuum or remove hair from your clothes, a Schnauzer is great. They do not shed and only need to be picked up for haircuts every few weeks.
Where do you live? Do you live in Florida or Wisconsin? A chihuahua would be very comfortable living in Florida, but not in Wisconsin. The opposite would be true for an Alaskan malamute.
Kennels that breed purebred dogs are very reliable sources. A professional breeder knows the pedigree of each of his dogs. They raise healthy dogs and will educate you on healthy parent foods and what is normal as your dog ages. You can apply to be a member of a dog club that specializes in the breed you are looking for. You can also find more information at national kennel clubs.
Dogs are man’s (and women’s and children’s) best friends. Your dog will quickly become a member of your family, so doing your research before you buy a dog will help prevent you from getting a poor quality dog or one that isn’t right for you. Make sure you have a written guarantee from the breeder. That way, if the dog is unfit, you can return it within a certain period of time. Buying a puppy from a breeder allows you to know the dog’s date of birth, intakes, registered name and registration of the father and mother (father and mother dog).
Good luck to you and your new best friend!