If you’ve been thinking of adopting a new dog into your life, you may have some needs which can only be met by adopting a dog of a certain breed. You will be much happier, as will your new canine companion, if the two of you make a compatible couple from the start. You can pretty much insure that you pick the perfect pup by asking what your needs are, and what limitations will be placed upon the pet.

Unequivocally, the first thing you should ask yourself is what purpose the dog will serve in your life. Do you want a dog as companionship, as in cuddled up on the couch sharing evening movies, or do you want a strong companion which will also do double duty as protection for your home and family? This question will certainly give you an idea of the size of the dog you’ll need. This will focus you in on a selection of breeds to choose from.

Next you should consider how much physical space that you have to allocate to your new pet. If you live in a small apartment, you surely wouldn’t want to bring home a large breed of dog. Always ask the breeder or shop owner how much space the dog would require to be comfortable. Some larger breeds of dogs are not really all that active, and would be quite comfortable in a smaller area, provided he is taken on regular walks and given the regular exercise he needs. Of course if you live on a large ranch, space may not be an issue, but it is a consideration which must be addressed when adopting your new dog.

Speaking of regular exercise, this is another consideration that plays a vital role in choosing a new dog. You should enquire about exactly how much exercise the dog will need. Your new friend will need regular exercise to stay healthy, so if your schedule does not allow for much time for regular exercise, then you may need to opt for one of the less active breeds.

Grooming your dog is a necessity which must be performed on a regular basis. If you are not looking forward to dealing with frequent trips to the dog groomer, you may want to steer clear of the long haired breeds. It would also be wise to consider that all dogs will shed, however some are more prone to shedding than others. Be sure to ask the breeder or owner how much the dog sheds before you decide to bring him home.

If you already have pets at home, you will need to find out how the breed usually looks on other dogs before introducing him into your home. This is also a good time to find out how well the particular breed you are considering has historically gotten along with children, if you have children in or about your home. Some breeds of dogs have historically been a good match for children, and some are not tempered well for the antics of a child.

If you have a particular breed of dog you are already interested in, then you should start with that breed and compare it against the aforementioned points. If the dog fails to meet the required criteria, then you should ask for a recommendation from a respected dog breeder. Adopting a new dog is something that you have to get right the first time, because it’s not only your life that is impacted by the adoption, it’s the dog’s life also. Get it right the first time, and you’ll both be much happier for it!

by Cristy & David Giacomini - Holistic Dog (www.holisticdog.com)
For your dog’s mind, body & soul.

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