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A lot of people make the mistake of picking a dog based on the breed they always wanted to own, but they don’t fully understand how much the breed can have an impact on the whole experience.
Some dogs may not be the right fit for your household, and once that happens, you might have to deal with tough decisions. In some cases, you’ll have no choice but to let them go, which could be scarring for you and your family. This is why you need to have a clear checklist of things to look for when picking one. Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to take into consideration when choosing a dog breed.
Your Lifestyle
This is the single most important thing to consider in our opinion. You have to make sure that your household is the proper fit for them and that their needs will be met.
For example, getting a dog like a Husky when you have limited space or live in a hotter climate is pretty much like torture to them. Remember, these are dogs that were trained specifically for physical endurance and activity, so you will need to be able to give them the space and exercise that they need.
Some may be more suited for smaller children. Dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Collies, and Bull Terriers come to mind. On the other hand, dogs like Weimaraners, Rottweilers, or even Chihuahuas could be a horrible fit.
While a dog like a Chihuahua might seem like a natural choice for children to some, they can get very aggressive and there is a very high chance that they might end up biting. Hunting dogs like Weimaraners are also not the best choice as they tend to enjoy rough play, which may end up in biting as well.
Your Level of Experience
Another thing you’ll have to consider when picking a dog is your level of experience. This is because some breeds are much tougher to train and others might be too aggressive for someone inexperienced.
Some breeds have a higher prey drive than others, and that might be something that is very difficult to deal with in social situations. These types of dogs might also be more impulsive and unpredictable, which is another thing new owners might have difficulty coping with.
If you’re new to dogs, we suggest you stay away from breeds like Tibetan Mastiffs, and even smaller dogs like Skye Terriers. These dogs can be very stubborn and drive you wild if you don’t have the patience. On the other hand, dogs like Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, and Golden Retrievers all make for great first choices.
Common Health Issues
Another thing you have to check is common health issues with certain dogs. Some dogs will have more fragile health in general while others will have very specific issues. This will affect how much you’ll have to spend on healthcare and pet insurance, among other things.
Some dogs like Bloodhounds, for instance, are known for experiencing vision issues. Doberman Pinschers can develop a condition called copper hepatopathy which can eventually lead to liver disease. Then you have dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Shih Tzus, and Great Danes that are known for joint and hip issues.
The good thing about knowing issues beforehand, however, is that you can prevent it. For dogs that are known to have joint issues, you could act by using supplementation, for instance. If you’re looking for advanced joint care for dogs, YuMOVE have more information on the website which is worth looking into. They sell a variety of dog supplements that can help dogs enjoy more mobility. They offer supplements for dogs who suffer from joint stiffness or those that are aging. Supplementing early could help prevent some of these issues and help them enjoy a more active life.
The Sex of the Dog
Some people don’t really think about the sex of the dog when they get one, but it can make a world of difference. For instance, male dogs are taught to be more territorial than female dogs, which could make them better as guard dogs. Female dogs, on the other hand, might be better as personal guards due to their maternal instinct.
Female dogs might also be a better fit if you have small children. Male dogs will see them more as playmates than children, which could lead to issues. Another issue with male dogs is that they tend to be more easily distracted, which can cause problems during training. On the other hand, they tend to be very affectionate and will appreciate every bit of attention you give them.
These are just some of the things you’ll need to pay attention to when picking a dog. Make sure that you do your research and don’t hesitate to speak to a vet beforehand to know what to expect.