When you choose the perfect dog, you’re making a decision you should not take lightly. What factors should you consider when selecting the perfect dog to be your forever best friend?
People buy dogs from breeders or adopt them from shelters. Some people choose to buy a purebred animal in pursuit of fashion trends.
According to statistics, about 4.1 million pets are adopted from shelters each year.
You can also help improve those numbers if you adopt a shelter dog.
What should you consider before getting a dog?
- What should you consider before getting a dog?
- Consider temperament before you choose the perfect dog
- Low-maintenance breeds for busy people
- Happy breeds for families
- Energetic breeds for active people
- Easy-going breeds for non-active people
- Hypoallergenic breeds for people with allergies
- Take your time to choose the perfect dog
Before getting a dog, you should understand that it is not a toy or gadget you can replace or update with another. It is a living being with specific characteristics, preferences, and habits. Here are the main factors to consider when deciding what type of dog you require:
1. Understand dogs are a lifetime commitment
A dog has an average lifespan of 13 years. As a result, you should prepare for a long friendship and a dedicated commitment to your new furry friend. This includes loving your pet when it is a cute puppy and in its golden years.
2. Research breeds
Before you adopt or buy a dog, you should do some research on dog breeds and consider:
- Your schedule;
- Desirable character traits that the dog should have to fit into your lifestyle;
- The size of the pet;
- The space required to feel comfortable;
- How it interacts with children (if you have them);
- Nutrition (whether specialized food is required);
- The capabilities of your budget.
If you do not have time to conduct research or do not know how to do it correctly, find a professional to assist you.
3. Respect your limitations
Getting a dog entails not only accepting responsibility but also sacrificing your time. It is similar to being responsible for a child who requires your care and support to take the first step or to feel safe when he is afraid of something (like rain or thunder).
You must ensure enough time to be a good “parent” or friend to your dog. You will no longer be able to make rash decisions and go on vacation.
Having a dog necessitates planning your time and your life as well. If you spend a lot of time writing at work, you can save time by delegating some of your writing to an essay review service.
4. Understand your dog’s healthcare needs
“Life in harmony” means that everyone is safe and healthy. Dogs, like any other pet, can become ill. To help your dog live a long, healthy life, take your dog to the vet regularly, get him spayed, and stay current with his vaccinations.
5. Commit to dog training
As previously stated, a dog is comparable to a small child. As a result, you should prepare to overcome all of the growth paths with it. It is vital for a small puppy.
You must potty train your dog, teach which items are safe to chew on and learn basic manners to prevent bad habits. If you aren’t able or willing to spend time training your dog, you will need to find a puppy school or in-home training services.
Consider temperament before you choose the perfect dog
If you have successfully determined your resources, it is time to select the right dog breed. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
Low-maintenance breeds for busy people
Raising a dog can be both exciting and nerve-racking. Here are some breeds that will keep your nerves calm because they are low-maintenance:
- Basset Hound
- Boston Terrier
- Bullmastiff
- Chihuahua
- Golden Retriever
- Greyhound
- French Bulldog
- Labradoodle
- Pug
Happy breeds for families
Families with children, on the whole, look for patient and tolerant dog breeds that will love their children. Here are some examples:
- Bichon Frise
- Border Terrier
- Boxer
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Maltese
- West Highland White Terrier
Energetic breeds for active people
Here are some dog breeds to consider if you want a dog that is as energetic as you are:
- Australian Shepherd
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Border Collie
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Siberian Husky
- Vizsla
Easy-going breeds for non-active people
If you prefer spending hours in a lounge rather than participating in different activities, you should look for a dog breed that has a laid-back personality and enjoys being your lap dog:
- Basset Hound
- Bulldog
- Bull Mastiff
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Great Dane
- Greyhound
Hypoallergenic breeds for people with allergies
Some people refuse to adopt a dog because they suffer from allergies. Although some people think dog hair is the problem, people are allergic to a protein found in the urine and saliva of dogs. That protein is transferred to their fur when dogs groom themselves. People who have allergies experience a reaction when they touch a dog’s hair.
- Cairn Terrier
- Airedale Terrier
- Dachshund
- Boston Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Maltese
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Chinese Crested
- Bichon Frisé
- Poodle
Take your time to choose the perfect dog
Try to meet the dog in person after narrowing your list of ideal dog breeds. Aside from that, you can ask friends who own the breed for recommendations and tips, or you can visit a vet.
Do not forget to visit local shelters to choose the perfect dog.
There, you can meet a wide variety of dogs who need loving homes!
Remember, choosing the perfect dog does not mean selecting a specific breed. Instead, choose a dog who will become a dedicated partner supporting you in difficult times and always be by your side.
Anna Medina is a writing specialist. She graduated from the Interpreters Department, but creative writing became her favorite type of work. Now, she improves her skills while producing content for writing review services such as the best paper writing service reviews and Rated by Students. She also uses her training to provide writing tips to students worldwide.