You decide to get a dog. The next question is then: “which dog should I buy?”. Obviously an obvious question, but not so easy to answer. There are quite a few types and sizes for sale. Not everyone wants a dog for the same purpose. Which dog is best for you?
Dogs have been faithful companions to humans for thousands of years. That is how it came about because of the qualities they have. They were used for hunting, herding sheep and of course as a guard. Some dogs are still used for this today, but they are usually kept as pets or companion animals.
Have to make a choice
Partly because a dog has mainly become a pet, all kinds of species have been bred. With many other pets, the choice is less wide. Buying a parakeet, rabbit or goldfish is not that important. You can select on color and appearance and there are a few varieties that you can choose from. But buying a dog in the same way is no longer an option. The variation is great. And not only in appearance, but also when it comes to care, character, degree of watchfulness, suitable for indoor / outdoor, and so on.
What are you looking for in a dog?
To find the right dog for you, it is important to start with yourself. What are you looking for in a dog? Too often there is an impulsive decision to get a dog. Without dwelling on the important question, “What am I looking for in a dog?” in those cases, people often choose only on appearance, or on what happens to be offered. But it is wise to take the time to determine for yourself which type of dog suits you. One dog needs a lot of exercise. Another dog requires regular coat grooming. The character also differs from breed to breed. So you can only answer the question “which dog suits me”. By listing why you would want a dog.
Walking the dog
Maybe you would like a buddy while hiking. Or do you even want to use the dog as a reason for having to go for a walk several times a day. Or maybe you want to keep the mandatory exhausting to a minimum. Keeping your dog in good shape requires some exercise. But a large dog will have to travel a greater distance per day than a small dog. So that’s something you have to take into account.
A large or a small dog
The size of the dog is one of the most important choices you have to make. Most men are more interested in a big tough dog. But this does have the necessary consequences. A large dog eats more, so needs more exercise, has more bowel movements and takes more strength to keep on a leash. The latter is not unimportant if the dog will also be taken for a walk by a small woman or larger children. The size of the dog is also important for the living space in which to live. A large dog needs more space. For example, some people want a buddy with whom they can sit on the couch. Then the size of the dog can make a big difference. In any case, never get a dog because you see a cute puppy, and you don’t really realize how big the dog will grow.
Care and coat types
Some dogs look very beautiful. But in many cases this is thanks to the necessary care. In order not to be disappointed, you have to take that into account. There are three types of coat: short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. With the latter two, the dog will moult from time to time and therefore shed a lot of hair in those species. Especially if your dog is in the house often, this will be an unpleasant time for many. But even when these species are not moulting, you will often encounter hairs. Most people will want to vacuum more often with such a dog. If that also applies to you, you can also take the color of the coat into account. White hair is usually more visible than black hair, but this also depends on your floor.
Purebred dog or garbage can breed
Do you want a purebred dog? They are of course a lot more expensive. When you buy a bitch, you can, if you feel like it, have a litter. You can then also sell the puppies for a good price. It will return the necessary work for that. In addition, having your dog covered also costs money, so don’t count on a get-rich-quick scenario. Even if you want to participate in dog shows, you go for a real purebred dog with a pedigree.
A garbage can variety is of course much cheaper. The dog’s character and appearance are less predictable. Crossing multiple breeds means that you sometimes have to wait and see how a dog will turn out. But for some people that also has its charm: You don’t have a standard dog, but a unique one.
Puppy or adult dog
Another aspect to consider is whether you are going for a puppy or an adult animal. A puppy is, of course, cute. This is especially recommended if you have children. Another advantage of a puppy is that it is still a blank slate. You can still teach the animal what you want. Also an advantage with children, because the dog poses little danger as a puppy and grows up within the family. You have to be more careful with an adult dog in that regard.
Yet there are also benefits to an adult dog. Normally it is already house trained, so you save a lot of hassle. The same often applies to other things, such as walking along the line and listening to certain commands. Depending on your situation and wishes, this can be ideal. In addition, an adult dog is often cheaper because they are less popular. If you are considering getting an adult dog, make sure you have a good idea of the dog’s character. Let the animal out on its own once to get an idea. It is even better when you already know the owners and that the dog will be right for you.
Know what you’re getting yourself into
Finally, a word of warning: know what you are getting into. Taking a dog comes with the necessary responsibility. It is a living animal with associated needs. Think of eating, drinking and walking. That takes time and money and requires some discipline. But a dog can also get sick or experience something else, which can leave you dealing with hefty medical bills. You are also more tied to home. If you are going on holiday, a weekend away or a whole day out, if the dog is not coming, you have to arrange something. And if you buy a puppy, you will sometimes have your hands full in the first months to a year.
Conclusion
As you can see, someone else cannot determine which dog is best for you. If you want to make a good choice, you list the most important things. That way you will discover which dog is the right one. Or maybe you will find out that keeping a dog involves more than you first thought. It is also better to find out as early as possible. But keeping a dog naturally brings a lot of fun and happiness to most owners. You will enjoy it all the more when you have found the dog that suits you best.