Choosing The Right Dog
So Many Breeds!
Do you have a dog now? Are you searching for a dog or thinking of adding one to your family? Although dogs are readily available from many sources, finding the right dog for you isn't easy. There are lots of things to consider: do you want a puppy or an older dog? A purebred or a dog from a shelter? (Don't forget that there are also rescued purebred dogs available.) Do you want a high energy dog or one who will be content to lie next to you and watch TV? Longhair or short? Do you have time for lots of grooming? Big dog or small? Are you able to walk a dog? Will you need to fence your yard?
The biggest cause of dogs ending up in shelters in this country, believe it or not, is not dog overpopulation. Most owners are aware of the benefits of spaying and neutering pets. We have dogs in shelters because of unwanted dogs — owner turn ins and dogs who are abandoned. The best way to make sure that dogs are not unwanted or abandoned is to make sure you get the right dog for you from the start!
There are lots of dog breed selectors online. Some are better than others. I like the one at the Animal Planet web site: http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do. This is the first breed selector I've used which actually recommended that I should get an English Setter — the breed I've had for the last 20 years. Most breed selectors only feature a few breeds, but this one gave me a selection of eight breeds, none of them the "popular" dog breeds. It really seemed to evaluate my answers and try to choose breeds which would match me.
Breed selectors are only a starting point, of course. Before getting a dog you should do your homework. You are adding "someone" to your family who will be with you for 12-15 years. It's a serious commitment. Dogs need more than just food and water. They demand attention, affection, vet care, exercise, and have many other needs. They provide unconditional love in return, but you do need to decide whether or not you are able to take care of a dog before you get one.
If you're still thinking of getting a dog, look around and do some research. What health problems are common in the breed? Have the parents been tested for them? What guarantees does the breeder offer? Does the breeder have a good reputation? Does he/she belong to any reputable clubs? The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club are old and respected kennel clubs. Many other kennel clubs have sprung up in the past few years advertising "pedigreed" "champion" dogs in order to take people's money. Ask for those health clearances from the parents or you may end up spending a fortune at the vet or, worse, losing your dog to a health problem at a young age.
Designer Dogs or Hybrids have received a lot of media attention in the last few years. These dogs are crosses between other purebred dogs, such as a Beagle and a Pug, or a Labrador and a Poodle. Their breeders claim that they have inherited the best features from their parents. Maybe, maybe not. They are usually very expensive — much more expensive than a registered purebred dog. If an AKC show prospect puppy from parents with all of their health clearances, who could go on to win a Best In Show someday, costs $1000, a puppy from a Designer Dog breeder, a Hybrid, with no background of health clearances, might cost $3000. Please remember that all puppies are cute. You should also remember that puppies at shelters are also "hybrids" and are often the result of accidental crosses between purebred dogs — and they only cost a small amount.
Ultimately it's up to you what dog you choose. Sometimes it's love at first sight and you may be willing to take any dog or puppy who speaks to your heart. So be it. But it helps if you know as much as possible about what you're getting into before you fall in love with that dog.
