Mary Allen
Whether you’ve been a dog lover all your life or you’ve just discovered man’s best friend, as soon as you’ve made the decision to add a four-legged member to your family, you’ll most want your new companion Pick up directly from the animal shelter or from the breeder. But with the almost unmanageable variety of great dog breeds, the question quickly arises: Which dog is right for me? In fact, all dog breeds differ from each other in various aspects, be it temperament, social behavior, or hunting instinct. In order for you and your dog to be happy together, you should definitely consider the following five factors when choosing your dog.
What Do You Want From Your Dog?
Are you looking for someone to cuddle with on the sofa in the evening, or rather a spirited companion for your morning jog? If you want company above all, a calmer breed of dog or even an older dog is better for you. Surprisingly, many larger dog breeds are also suitable: Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, or the Irish Wolfhound need a lot of exercises but are very cozy and affectionate in the house. Even a slightly older dog would rather lie on the sofa than nibble on it. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more active partner for hikes or as a playmate for your children, a dog with a hunting instinct and a little more energy should be selected. Munsterlanders, Border Collies, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are ideal here. These dog breeds need a lot of exercise and are also happy about additional activities such as dog sports, swimming, or extensive hiking tours.
What is Your Experience With Dogs?
Many dog fans have already grown up with dogs and are therefore used to the fur noses. Maybe you were even involved in dog training before? In that case, you’ll probably get along with a little more “stubborn” dog breeds, like an English bulldog, the Akita Inu, or a short-haired Chihuahua (the long-haired counterpart, on the other hand, is a lot more reserved). These breeds are reluctant to subordinate themselves and need consistent training, which should not be confused with unnecessary strictness and harshness. New dog owners, on the other hand, are doing themselves and the dog a disservice by getting an overly opinionated breed. Gentler and more reserved breeds are available here: King Charles Spaniel, for example, is very peaceful and level-headed, just like the Maltese or a small Boston Terrier. Consistent training is also essential for these dogs, but they are more forgiving of minor mistakes in training or a somewhat gentler leadership than Chihuahuas and Co. If you are a little unsure about dog training, a dog school in your area will help you further.
How Much Time Do You Have for Your Dog?
Visits to the dog school or just long walks: a dog requires much more attention than a cat, budgerigar, or guinea pig. You should be aware of that in advance! The daily walks alone can weigh two to three hours. Then there is feeding, grooming, and of course playing at home. A Pug needs far less exercise than a Sheltie, so the length of walks varies as well. Of course, the daily walk should not be limited to the essentials – this is not just about emptying the bladder, but also about mentally challenging the dog, making contact with other animals, and really working out. Therefore, the route of this walk should be changed regularly. If the dog is injured, very old, or just a small puppy, you should plan extra time for the walk. Puppies, in particular, do not yet walk quite as naturally on a leash, are curious, and have to sniff everything out very carefully – even a short walk around the block can quickly take a whole hour. Attention: A dog should only be left alone for more than five hours in exceptional cases. For example, if you live alone and work eight hours a day, your lonely dog will quickly become bored. If you can’t take him to work as an office dog, you should think twice about buying a dog.
How Big are the Apartment and Garden?
Your dog’s run does not begin and ends at the front door. At home, too, whether in the apartment or in the home garden, you should provide enough freedom of movement that suits your dog’s nature. While a small and quiet pug will also be happy in a city apartment on the fourth floor, Shelties or Golden Retrievers expect opportunities to exercise even between walks. Of course, a garden in which the dogs can play and run to their heart’s content is ideal here. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, especially in the big city. Therefore, you should at least pay attention to a sufficiently large apartment. Of course, romping around here is only possible to a limited extent, but your own four walls should offer at least a little exercise. Apart from that, dogs can be mentally challenged with complex games of skill and thus occupy themselves. But no toy in the world can replace a proper walk: dogs simply need a lot of exercises. If this cannot be guaranteed, it is likely that the dog will become unhappy, ill, or aggressive. The apartment should also offer your four-legged friend some retreats to give him some peace and quiet in turbulent situations.
Where Do You Live: Family Ties or Single Household?
In general, dogs are pack animals: If they are kept alone, masters and co. replace their own pack. Most dog breeds also get along very well with younger pack members. Children should learn early on how to deal with dogs, what they are allowed to do, and what could possibly irritate the animals. But not every breed of dog is good with children, as they are often hectic and dogs can get excited so quickly. A chow may look like a cuddly teddy bear, but it is very easily irritated and therefore only conditionally suitable for keeping in a household with small children. The Great Dane, the Finnenspitz, or the popular Fox Terrier, on the other hand, are ideal dogs for families with children thanks to their calm and social disposition. In a household with several people, the duties related to the dog can also be divided very well. Children learn to be responsible at such an early age. On the other hand, if you live alone, you should realize early on that all obligations regarding the dog will be your responsibility and you will have to plan much more time for the dog.
So: Which Dog is Right for Me?
As you can see, there are a number of things to consider when choosing your future dog. It’s not enough to adopt a “cute” dog from the animal shelter if it ultimately doesn’t fit into your everyday life. The purchase of a dog should therefore be considered very carefully. At a “trial meeting,” you can get an initial overview of the character of a specific dog breed from various breeders. The staff at an animal shelter can often provide you with initial information about a dog’s behavior. With the help of these clues, you can weigh up in advance which dog suits you and which breeds you should take a closer look at.