by November 30th, 2008. Filed under: Uncategorized.
The importance of choosing the most suitable type of dog breed for your personal circumstances, preferences and limitations simply cannot be stressed enough. While dogs are like people, in the sense that no two dogs have the same personality, it is also true that different breeds exhibit different behaviors and, in fact, are often bred in such a way as to heighten these particular traits. Therefore, it is possible to have a fair idea of how a potential pet will react to different situations on the basis of the breed chosen. A true dog lover will make a special effort to take into consideration all factors to ensure that the breed selected as their pet adapts well to their needs.
Anyone for a Dalmatian?
The first thing to bear in mind is that the type of dog chosen must fit in with your current – or projected – lifestyle. The Dalmatian can serve as a good example. This breed is well known for producing cute little puppies, but what many dog owners don’t realize is that they’re going to need a great deal of exercise and playing even well into their mature years. So, if you choose this breed, you have to be aware that your dog is going to need the attention and love of a master, or mistress, that has the time for it. It’s going to need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to be a truly healthy and happy pet. As you can imagine, this is no easy task.
Considerations
Before you decide on a breed of dog, consider the following questions, as a minimum:
· How much time can I, or my family, spend with the dog or puppy?
· How often will the dog be left alone, and for how long?
· How big is the yard or exercise space?
· Is it fenced?
· Do I want the dog to be inside the house or outside? For how long?
· How much time do I have to walk or exercise the dog?
· Do I want a dog that is playful and friendly with everyone or one that is a good watchdog?
· How often am I prepared to groom and maintain the dog’s coat?
· How much time can I spare to work with the dog for training and obedience?
· Will there be any small children around the dog?
· Are their other pets in the family?
· How much money am I prepared to spend on getting – and maintaining – the dog or puppy?
Once you’ve answered these questions, and any more that may be relevant to your particular situation, you can then start looking at the different dog breeds and their characteristics, in the knowledge that your choice will be based on sound reasoning.
Make sure you get it right
If you’re planning to get a new dog or puppy, the breed chosen definitely does matter, both for you and for your future pet. If you spend the time and effort to ensure a good match, you can be much more confident that both you and your pet will be happy – make sure your dog can fit easily into your lifestyle, so that you can give it, in return, the lifestyle it deserves and needs.
Filed under: Uncategorized
November 30th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Which dog is best for my family? How do I choose the right breed?
My husband is convinced about an english toy terrier but I am not. My grandad told me that all terriers have an aggressive streak as they are ratcatchers, fighters, etc by nature and you will never get rid of that. I know that the most important thing is good training but I have to know that the dog will be good with my 3 children who are 4,4 and 8. The dog for me personally, has to be at least slightly handsome and athletic but not too big. I will be walking the dog so, it needs to be able to cope with a good hour walk in the morning and maybe another hour in the evening. I would love as little molting as possible as I am very house proud and run a business from home which keeps me busy. I never thought we would get a dog as I have never been a 'doggy' person. I have decided to 'give in' as my husband and children would all love a dog. I am under no illusion at the responsibility and will be waiting for my twins to start school in September so that I can devote myself to training.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:28 am
we have an 8 month old border collie and she is brilliant with my children but she does require a lot of exercise. i think there can be issues with whatever breed of dog you choose to get but if you are willing to put in the time and effort with training then these problems can be overcome.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:30 am
try this site http://www.nextdaypets.com it has alot of good information on breeds and temperament etc.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Terriers can be more difficult to train and to be 'calm' than say a labrador. A Labrador would make a very good family pet, almost always passive (but some are bouncy & big making them more difficult to handle eg on the lead - so see the parents before you decide), but it will need about 90 minutes excercise a day to prevent health problems etc. Most of all, buy from a reputable breeder!
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Labrador.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:36 am
You know what Ive had lots of dogs, terriers, staffs, mixes, boxers, but none compare to my Pit bull, .. hes so loving and friendly, and brill with my kids, they are given a bad rep because some people treated them badly to make them fight.
They are very sensitive dogs, you need to be extra loving with them and respect their power. I love my dog hes like my baby even though hes heavier than me, lol.
He wouldn't halm a fly and its all down to how hes been treated. xxx
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:38 am
.There is a reason why terrier starts with terror!!! If you want a dog who doesn't shed your options are pretty limited to schnauzers or poodles. Of course, there are a wide range of designer dogs available now. Schnauzers are handsome and athletic. If you have a Pet Smart or PetCo near you, they both offer training classes that are inexpensive, with individual help available if you need it. You should probably consider taking your children to classes with you. Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, makes a point of it never being too soon to teach a child to be a pack leader!!
You have obviously put alot of thought into this, why don't you meet with a prospective trainer and get their opinion on what kind of dog would suit your family best. And you may suprise yourself,you just may fall head over heels in love with your new family member!!!
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:40 am
My personal suggestion is to get a Shar-Pei! They are wonderful dogs and they have Hair not Fur so they shed less. they are very loving and devoted dogs and they will fight another dog to the death to protect their owners and their family's They are midsized dogs and though their shin needs a little extra care after you bathe them they are simple and energetic and extremely loving and gentle with children. They are also highly intelligent. They were a created breed designed to protect the royal families in China when the pit-bull was prevalent in China. A Shar-Pei can and will stop a Pitt-bull attack on your family as they were designed to kill pitts but they have hearts of gold and are very obedient!
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Life is truth. Oh and the Shar-pei I had saved my son's life in a pitt-bull attack when my son was only 6 years old thanks to Jo-Jo Dancer I still have a son.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:42 am
I have shelties ,they are alert and very love able. Great watch dogs and protectors.We have grandchildren and they love the kids .They are easy trained and very active.
When we go to bed at night they are on guard for any unusual noise and let us know. My feeling as to kids is to go with a female but we have a pair and and love them both.
They do require combing and grooming to cut down on shedding,But they have no odor.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:44 am
If no-one is a 100% in the household about having a dog and is house proud, then my answer is don't get a dog. Don't "give in" if you're not 100% sure.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:46 am
by the sound's of it a border collie, would be
the way to go, we got two Male's.
very nice dog's great working dog's. BUT
can be loud, and needs lot of exercise.
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work at a petshop/and living on a farm.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:48 am
hi,
I think the best family dog, by far are spaniels, because they are great with any age children. walk as far as your willing to take them, and the dont malt that much either.
They are lovely and good natured. and you can get different breeds of spaniels of which vary in sizes.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I am not sure when you posted your question, however, I felt the need to respond. I didn't think I was a dog person either, until I got one. I have noticed a lot of answers to your question, but not one are the kind of dogs that I have. I have 2 Siberian Huskies. Mine happen to be good size, but as with any breed, size varies. They can handle your activity, actually love the walks, the longer the better. They are great around children, and are very social dogs. They do shed, but only twice a year, especially where they have what's known as a "double coat". But after that, it really isn't bad at all. They hardly bark at all, it's mostly a "talk" per se. A female husky tends to be smaller than males, we happen to have one of each. They are quick learners, at least I haven't had a lot of difficulty with my dogs. As with getting any animal, I would suggest getting a puppy, this way you can raise and train it the way you want, not the way someone else has. I don't know if this helped, but does give you at least one more option to look into.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:52 am
You are very limited with choice due to molting, all breeds molt whether it be long hair or short hair apart from a few breeds, the poodle is one, but they will be required to be clipped every couple of months, or a schnauzer. You can get poodle x's but they are not guaranteed not to shed. Maybe go searching the web for a breed you like the looks off then contact some breeders and see if they think they will fit into your lifestyle. Good to see you are not in any hurry and are doing your research. Another good source of research is attending some obedience clubs or dog shows and asking owners/breeders about their dogs. Good Luck.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I think everyone you speak to will have different opinions of different breeds - and all have their favourites. For me, I have a Boston terrier and a Japanese spitz and love them both dearly. Really though different breeds are suited to different lifestyles, but most dogs will be more than happy with the 2 hours exercise/day you'd offer them!! Terrier's can be wonderful dogs with kids, but any dog has the potential for aggressiveness - basically it will come down to buying from a reputable breeder (always try to check out the parents) and thorough training and socialisation - ESPECIALLY as a puppy. The other thing is, smaller dogs may not be as happy with the rough handling kids can bring (particularly toy dogs with their fine bone structure) while some dogs are just natural baby sitters!
To start you could do a net search for 'Dog breed selector' and just do an online quiz which will suggest possible dog breeds. Also http://www.dogbreedinfo.com gives detailed info on a myriad of breeds.
In terms of molting - well searching for a non-shedding breed will really limit your options and it doesn't mean they don't need grooming (usually moreso) - but if allergies are involved then you've no choice. But remember, some dogs shed a little all year round (many of the short haired breeds - like my boston), but some of the double coated breeds shed heavily only once or twice a yr or so but don't the rest of the yr (like my spitz). As far as I'm concerned it really is a small price to pay for the compainionship they bring, but of course everyone's different! If you have the time and money for professional grooming now and then, it always helps.
Hope all goes well.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:56 am
You should go for a labrador if you can i have one myself and they make a very loyal pet, very good dog to have with kids mine is 1 yr old now and is the nicest dog, he is constantly watching over me. He sits at my side gate from the moment i leave for work until i get home and then he lies beside my at the fire all evening. This dog will really care for kids, are very easy to train, depending on where you will be keeping the dog will determaine how much it molts?If it is kept outside it will rearly molt as its body believes its winter so will not shed if the dog is kept inside it will molt but there are molting oils that you can buy in the pet store that you put in his food to stop this, as for the walking the lab will love the walks for the first two years but will then get lazy as they spend their first 2 years growing their bodies but do get lazy after this.
Hope this helps
P.S Dont go for small dogs as everyone of them have a very unattractive nature at times.
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November 30th, 2008 at 11:58 am
if you are,as you say very house proud dont get a dog,iv had dogs 28years and all mine have the run of the house..beds included so i dont think you are ready xx
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November 30th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
If as you say you are not a 'doggy person' and you are houseproud, a dog is not the right pet for you, even short coated dogs moult a certain amount, they bark they fart, and on occasion they will pee, poo or vomit on your best rug, the latter is usually without any warning, my b1tch is in season at the moment so I am wiping blood up from the floor as well, I think it is very unfair that your family want you to get an animal that you don't really want, and more to the point it will be unfair on the dog.
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I have 4 dogs and none of them wipe their feet when they come indoors.
November 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
A labrador or collie would make a nice family pet.
Also many rescue homes ahve some fantastic temperament dogs and you would be doing so much good as there are so many unwanted dogs out there
lol
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November 30th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I think you need to think carefully about this. You work from home and you are houseproud and you have 3 children to run round after? Are you seriously going to be able to devote the time and training that a dog will need? The other point is the houseproud bit - dogs shed, they shed for England, I swear I could hoover 24 hours a day and there would STILL be dog hair on the carpet! They mess things up, they can drool everywhere - I saw an article recently about having dogs which was very funny, but had some truths in it - one ebing the amount of mess a dog makes…
I would talk it over with an animal behaviourist to see whether this is a practical proposition for you. If it is and you can stand the hair and the mess - get a labrador, they are fantastic family dogs, patient kind and tolerant and they are easy to train!
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November 30th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
i have a collie cross lab she is brill with people loves kids she is like a baby and she is a great guard dog get a cross breed she dont bother with cats i have 2 rabbits which i let out most days to run around she dont even bother with them
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November 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Well done for thinking this through sensibly.I suggest a greyhound as the breed for you,they are gentle with children,atheletic looking,very laid back around the house and as for moulting it's not excessive.There's so many grey's in rescue centers,people have the wrong illusion of them,that they need loads of exercise,that they hate small animals or that they look ugly.The truth is grey's like to have a good run but after that thee happy to just curl up and fall asleep.Some can even be trained to live peacefully with small animals.I have worked with grey's and they really do steal your heart,they lean into you for affection.Please consider a rescue greyhound.Good luck.
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