Picking The Right Breed 1/3

So, you’ve decided to get a puppy, or maybe an older dog! That’s great! Dogs can really enhance your life, giving you comfort, protection, companionship and great excuses to get out of the house! Before you get to the issues of housebreaking a puppy of how do you stop a dog from inappropriately jumping or barking, you should first ask, what breed is right for you. Picking the right breed of dog is essential. It must match your temperament, your lifestyle and your activity level.

If you are a hunter you will probably want a dog you can train to hunt with you. You’ll already know that Pointers and Retrievers will be what you want. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds and want to be kept busy or they will become destructive. Every Lab owner can tell you tales of doggy tennis ball sessions. They love to run and play!

If you are more of a homebody you’ll want a more sedate dog. Breeds for less active people include a Bulldog, a Toy Poodle or a Miniature Pinscher. The Poodle still needs plenty of exercise, but can get it in the living room or a small yard.

Another thing to consider is grooming. Some dogs, like Shih-Tzu’s need daily brushing or their fur, will get matted. Other dogs, like Beagles, need almost no grooming except when they are dirty. Another option is dogs that don’t shed. These types of dogs, such as Poodles and Schnauzers are hypo-allergenic, but they  need to have their hair cut on a regular basis. This is an added expense that needs to be taken into account when deciding on a breed.